Milestone Moment: Wrapping Up the 14th Plan
As the curtain falls on the Chinese mainland’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), it’s time to spotlight how strategic goals turned into real-world impact—driving innovation, sustaining growth and lifting millions out of poverty amid global uncertainty.
Resilience in a Shifting Landscape
When the plan launched in 2021, the world was grappling with:
- Recurring geopolitical conflicts
- Soaring global inflation
- Rising trade protectionism
Yet over five years, the Chinese mainland’s economy expanded by more than 35 trillion yuan (about $4.9 trillion)—contributing roughly 30% of annual global growth. This surge was anchored in:
- Targeted investment in next-gen tech and green industries
- Adaptive trade strategies to diversify export markets
- Digital infrastructure rollouts connecting urban hubs and rural communities
Innovation Meets Inclusion
Innovation wasn’t just a buzzword—it was a driving force. From AI labs in Shenzhen to renewable energy corridors in Inner Mongolia, the plan channeled resources into high-potential sectors. Meanwhile, poverty alleviation remained front and center:
- Rural poor population fell from 770 million in 1978 to under 100 million by 2012—thanks to decades of five-year planning.
- By 2020, extreme poverty was eradicated ahead of the UN 2030 Agenda target.
- Since 2021, over 30 million people lifted out of poverty have stayed employed, and more than 6 million at risk received targeted support.
"These valuable experiences are worth learning by Global South countries," said Hector Villagran-Cepeda, former commercial counselor of Ecuador to the Chinese mainland. He hopes to see more knowledge-sharing on rural revitalization and poverty governance.
Setting Sights on the Next Horizon
This Monday, the fourth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee will lay the groundwork for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030). As global citizens, entrepreneurs and change-makers, we’ll be watching how lessons from the 14th plan shape the next chapter—harnessing innovation, sustainability and inclusive growth for a more connected world.
Reference(s):
How China fostered growth, innovation through 14th Five-Year Plan
cgtn.com
