Key economic conference shows growth the priority of China in 2023

The two-day tone-setting central economic work conference held from Dec 15 to 16 showed China's priority is increasingly shifting to economic growth, media reported.

"China puts private sector front and center in fresh vows to stabilize and bolster economy," South China Morning Post reported on Dec 16, adding that the country's leadership is looking to bolster the digital economy while supporting platform companies in enhancing development, creating jobs and competing in the global market.

Fresh vows at the conference also highlight how policymakers will prioritize restoring and expanding domestic consumption next year, SCMP reported, citing a statement from the conference.

Leadership also stressed the importance of the private sector and promised to address the concerns of foreign investors, it added.

China will strengthen overall coordination of epidemic policies, ensuring smooth transition during the current epidemic and social order, Reuters reported on Dec 16.

The key economic meeting focused on ailing consumer demand and housing market, reported Nikkei on Dec 17, adding that China hinted at more zero-COVID easing to shore up growth.