Beijing: Beijing has set an average annual GDP growth target of between 4.5 and 5% for the 2026 to 2030 period, according to the capital's 15th Five-Year Plan released on Wednesday. This target aims to contribute more than one trillion yuan ($147 billion) to the city's economy over the period.
According to Emirates News Agency, in the past five years, Beijing's economy grew by an average of 5.2% a year, with its GDP reaching 5.2 trillion yuan last year. The new target considers both need and feasibility and is intended to support the city's long-term goal of approximately doubling its 2020 economic output by 2035. This growth plan allows for structural adjustment, reform, and higher-quality growth, as noted by officials from the Beijing Commission of Development and Reform.
The plan consists of 13 sector-specific chapters, with the first five focusing on Beijing's role as the national capital. The emphasis is on strengthening its functions as an international exchange hub and a center for scientific and technological innovation. On the international openness front, the plan aims to raise Beijing's share of national cross-border passenger flows from 3.08% in 2025 to about 3.8% by 2030. Improved services are expected to attract more foreign travelers to choose Beijing as their first stop in China.
In terms of innovation, Beijing aims to increase R and D spending to more than 6% of GDP. The city, which currently hosts 145 national key laboratories (accounting for 28% of the nation's total), along with numerous research institutions and leading companies, is poised to achieve more original breakthroughs.
The plan also highlights care for the elderly and children as a major focus for the coming years. Beijing had 687,000 residents aged 80 and above in 2024. The city aims to develop accessible and inclusive elderly care services, with regional elderly-care service centers covering 80% of subdistricts and townships by 2030. Additionally, the blueprint includes targets in childcare, education, healthcare, coordinated regional development, urban renewal, and safety.
