As China charts its course for 20262030 through the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, its new Five-Year Plan outlines key areas set to create global opportunities across economic, trade, and innovation fronts.
Driving global economic development
From 2012 to 2024, China's GDP grew at an average annual rate of around 6 percent, making it a cornerstone of global growth. Studies show a 1-point increase in China's GDP growth translates into a 0.3-point gain for other economies. During the 14th FYP (20212025), China contributed roughly 30 percent to annual global growth.
Amid rising protectionism, China remains committed to openness and cooperation. The recent plenary session emphasized expanding institutional opening-up, safeguarding the multilateral trading system, and fostering broader economic flows to support shared development worldwide.
Expanding trade and investment
With over 1.4 billion residents, China's market scale is unmatched. In the first three quarters of 2025, nearly 49,000 new foreign-funded enterprises registered, a 16.2 percent year-on-year increase. By 2025, 22 pilot free trade zones are in operation.
Over the past five years, China attracted more than $700 billion in foreign investment and ranked as the world's largest goods trader and second-largest services trader. The Belt and Road Initiative has emerged as a major platform for global cooperation.
The plenary session calls for higher-standard opening-up, more space for two-way investment cooperation, and deeper Belt and Road partnerships aligned with modern trade rules like the CPTPP and DEPA.
Accelerating technological innovation
China's rapid strides in science and technology are boosting global innovation and welfare. According to the 2024 Global Innovation Index, China ranks among the top 10 most innovative economies, reflecting its fast-growing R&D capabilities. Last year, national R&D spending topped $500 billion.
With the 15th FYP, China plans to drive breakthroughs in key technologies, foster research collaborations, and build an innovation ecosystem that benefits people around the world.
As the 15th Five-Year Plan kicks off in 2026, these initiatives signal new opportunities for businesses, investors, and innovators globally. By deepening openness, expanding markets, and championing innovation, China aims to make globalization more inclusive and sustainable for all.
Reference(s):
Beyond borders: Global opportunities in China's 15th Five-Year Plan
cgtn.com
