Wheels of the new normal in motion

In an era where the sustenance of the global economic order is shifting at a tremendous speed from West to East, it is only imperative that bold steps are taken by the leading forces to ensure that the financial hopes and dreams of every nation are secured. China’s leading role in securing a stable global economic order is undeniable.

After decades of sustained growth and reforms, Chinese leaders are embarking on an even grander task of reform policies that are soon to fully embrace the world. Following the ongoing 13th National People’s Congress in Beijing I can confidently assume that China’s opening-up is at the pinnacle and a done deal. Moving away from its cornerstone industries, construction and heavy machinery, Chinese leaders have successfully steered the Chinese economy toward more focus on service, consumer spending and cross-border e-commerce with high-quality, value-added products wowing consumers around the world.

To comment on the government work report presented by Premier Li Keqiang, it’s true that a society with bad health care cannot develop in unison with national aspirations. China’s basic medical insurance covering 1.35 billion people as noted in the work report is quite impressive. What is even more encouraging is the increase in per capita government subsidies for basic health insurance for rural and nonworking urban residents, with a larger chunk of that money going into insurance schemes for serious diseases. There can be no strong nation without a healthy society. Therefore, ensuring that all members of the society have access, if not equal access, to health care is in the right direction.

Another reform that caught my attention is the commitment to reduce rural dropout rates, the move to put an end to big class sizes in urban schools, and addressing the problem of heavy extracurricular burdens on primary and secondary school students. Phew, finally some enthusiastic soccer lads can get more time to practice. This has taken a long time to come, but I do trust the gradual “laboratory” reform process by Chinese leaders. It is obvious that the burden on primary and secondary school students stifles creativity and diversity. The students can now channel more of their energy into what they are really good at and love doing.

The report also highlights in-depth reforms on the country’s opening-up policy, most of them detailing China’s advancement in the next two to three decades. As an expat residing in China I was more enthused about the immediate impact, one of which is the cutting of rates for mobile internet services by at least 30 percent. This I believe would increase consumer spending, expand the service industry and create more opportunities for young people, who account for a large percentage of mobile internet users. I’m eagerly waiting for this to take effect. It is certainly an exciting time to be in China and most definitely to be Chinese.

The author is a former Ghanaian Journalist.