One-Third of 15th Five-Year Targets Focus on People's Livelihood at Two Sessions

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Seven out of the 20 objectives outlined in the latest draft of the 15th Five-Year Plan focus on improving people’s livelihoods, including employment, income, education, and healthcare. Between 2026 and 2031, the average life expectancy is expected to rise to 80 years from 79.25 years during the previous five-year period.

Healthcare infrastructure will see a boost, with elderly care beds increasing to 73 percent from 68 percent. The enrollment rate for preschool children under three years old is projected to jump by 6 percentage points. Additionally, the ratio of practicing physicians to registered nurses per 1,000 residents will reach 3.7 and 5.1, respectively.

These goals are aimed at addressing key public concerns, improving healthcare services, and expanding support for elderly care and childcare. Enhancing these services will lead to healthier, better-quality lives, according to experts involved in the planning process.

The plan also targets the education level of the workforce, aiming to raise the average years of schooling to 11.7 from 11.3 during the previous five-year period. It emphasizes improving the quality of basic education while advancing higher education standards.

Regarding social security, the plan intends to broaden the coverage of unemployment and work injury insurance, gradually increase basic pensions for urban and rural residents, and strengthen occupational injury protections. It also seeks to improve insurance participation among flexible, migrant, and gig economy workers.

While specific economic growth targets are not set for this five-year period, the plan states that annual GDP growth will be determined based on real-time circumstances. This approach aims to establish a stable foundation for doubling per capita GDP by 2035, reaching the level of moderately developed countries.

Setting growth targets dynamically allows policymakers to account for external uncertainties and encourages local governments to prioritize quality over speed of growth. The annual economic growth goal for this year is projected to be between 4.5 and 5 percent, with local authorities customizing their targets according to local contexts.

During this period, emerging high-growth industries are expected to accelerate, creating markets worth trillions of yuan and fueling the shift toward a more robust industrial system. These developments will promote stronger industrial growth, leveraging both innovation and existing resources.