[Explanation] On December 17, the Ministry of Commerce held a regular press conference.
Gao Feng, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, said that since 2020, China has overcome the impact of the new crown pneumonia epidemic and its economic operations have gradually returned to normal. It is expected to become the only economy in the world's major economies to achieve positive growth this year.
[Concurrent] Gao Feng, spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce
From the perspective of an open economy, in the first 11 months of this year, (China) foreign investment has basically remained stable.
From the perspective of domestic consumption, the recovery trend continues, the consumption of physical goods has maintained rapid growth, and the consumption of services has gradually recovered.
China's economy continues to recover as a whole, and production and demand are steadily picking up. It is expected to become the only economy in the world's major economies to achieve positive growth this year.
[Explanation] According to the forecast of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, global GDP will rise to the level before the epidemic by the end of 2021, but this is largely dependent on China's growth, which will contribute a third of global economic growth in 2021 More than one.
In response to this forecast, Gao Feng said:
[Concurrent] Gao Feng, spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce
Next year, there will be many uncertain and unstable factors in the world economy. China's economic operation will be challenged. At the same time, there will be many favorable factors. It is more likely to gradually return to the potential growth level.
China will further enhance the level of open economy and expand market opening at a higher level.
We are willing to work together with all parties to make positive contributions to the recovery and growth of the global economy.
[Explanation] In addition, when talking about Australia’s announcement that it would file a lawsuit with the WTO against China’s imposing tariffs on Australian barley, Gao Feng said that on December 16, Australia had dealt with China’s imports from Australia under the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism. The anti-dumping and countervailing measures adopted by Barley submitted a request for consultation to China.
China has received the request for consultation.
[Concurrent] Gao Feng, spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce
According to the application of China's domestic industry, the Ministry of Commerce of China initiated anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations against imported barley originating in Australia and adopted corresponding trade remedy measures in accordance with the law.
China has always carried out trade remedies in a manner consistent with WTO rules.
China regrets Australia’s request for consultation and will handle it in accordance with WTO dispute settlement procedures.
Reporter Liu Xuanting reports from Beijing
Editor in charge: [Liu Xian]