China’s top legislature will begin its annual parliamentary meeting on March 5 next year – a session that will be closely watched by investors as Beijing will announce its growth target and decide on ways to stimulate the country’s stalled economy.
The start date of the third annual session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing was announced by the NPC Standing Committee on Wednesday.
China typically holds its annual parliamentary meetings, known as the “two sessions”, in early March.
During the meetings, the Chinese government is expected to reveal its annual policy plans for the economy, military, trade, diplomacy, the environment and other areas to the NPC and CPPCC for deliberation and approval.
The meeting is expected to last about a week, with President Xi Jinping and other top Communist Party leaders joining the group discussions to chart China’s path forward. Xi’s speeches during these deliberation sessions are usually regarded as important signs of China’s priorities and direction.