State Council Meeting Links Population Policy With Service Industry Reform

BEIJING, Oct 24 - Chinese Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council executive meeting on October 23 to review how population trends can be aligned with economic and social development. The session also heard a progress report on preparations tied to the National Service Industry Conference.

At the meeting, officials made clear that population is a basic requirement for sustained development. Better integration of population with the economy, society, resources and the environment was identified as a priority. The discussion further highlighted the importance of improving related policies, continuing to build and use the broad demographic dividend, and promoting high-quality population growth as a support for high-quality economic and social progress.

Attention was also placed on the all-round development of citizens. Proposals included raising scientific and cultural literacy, upgrading professional abilities, and improving physical and mental wellbeing. The meeting pressed for a faster rollout of lifelong learning opportunities, wider skills training, and stronger cooperation among education, training and industry. These steps are intended to encourage high-quality and full employment.

The service industry was described as an important auxiliary force in economic growth. Officials said its role should be further leveraged, its expansion and reform accelerated, and its potential converted into a driving force for development.