Consumption, innovation to boost economy

Shorter stimulus, structural reforms highlighted for long-term development

As China navigates a shifting global trade landscape and aims to sustain its economic momentum, the country's growth potential increasingly hinges on unlocking domestic consumption and accelerating structural reforms, said Denis Depoux, global managing director of consultancy Roland Berger.

With rising protectionist sentiment and the threat of a trade war, this year China may struggle to achieve a similar export performance as it did in 2024. And that shortfall will have to be made up by stronger domestic demand — which requires restoring consumer confidence and implementing structural reforms, Depoux said.

"It means that this has to be offset by more domestic demand, and that's the focus of the government on boosting domestic consumption, but that doesn't come overnight," he said during a recent exclusive interview with China Daily.