Xi Jinping Calls for High-Quality Service Sector Expansion
Chinese President Xi Jinping has outlined ambitious plans to revolutionize the country's service industry, emphasizing breakthroughs in quality and innovation during a national conference held in Beijing this week. With the sector accounting for 57.7% of China's GDP in 2025 and contributing 61.4% to economic growth, leaders are prioritizing structural upgrades to maintain momentum.
Strategic Priorities for Economic Modernization
President Xi highlighted four key drivers for development: demand-driven growth, institutional reforms, technological integration, and international cooperation. The strategy aligns with China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), which recently received legislative approval and aims to push service sector value beyond 100 trillion yuan ($14.5 trillion) by 2030.
Dual Focus: Professionalization and Accessibility
Premier Li Qiang stressed the need to balance specialized producer services with accessible consumer offerings, particularly in response to demographic changes and consumption patterns. "We must cultivate 'China Services' brands that combine digital innovation with international standards," he stated, advocating for enhanced support policies and targeted market opening measures.
Implementation Roadmap
Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang outlined practical steps including cost reduction initiatives and market vitality improvements. The National Development and Reform Commission forecasts that service sector employment – currently representing half of China's workforce – will continue expanding as reforms take effect.
