Two Sessions : All-round Thumps Up By Global Observers

They meet once a year. For a duration of “only” two weeks. But during these two weeks, they take major decisions. Such as reviewing the country’s policy directions in various domains in the previous year - what was achieved, the failures, challenges faced. And then adjusting the direction the country should take in future. That is China’s Parliament for you! Otherwise known during its sitting as the Two Sessions, this legislature comprises the National People’s Congress, NPC - the top legislative body. And the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, NCCPPCC, the top political advisory body.

Great Expectations
Not surprisingly, China’s sustained economic growth over the years is in the main attributable to the oversight of the country’s Parliament. And so as the Two Sessions meets in the coming days, all eyes and ears are on China. To hear how China faired last year. And the policy directives to be dished out.  

New International Dynamics
“During this year’s Two Sessions, China’s optics on international relations are particularly noteworthy against the backdrop of a rapidly changing and turbulent global landscape. As China gears up to hold the “Two Sessions,” the world is on its toes to figure out the connotations of their vibes and influence amid new emerging geopolitical, geostrategic and geo-economic dynamics…

Trade Restrictions Lifted
“China opening its door wider to the world will be an imperative topic in the Two Sessions as it will lay bare China’s mindset, offering global players to comprehend to what level China will further explore engagement with the international market…Already China has completely lifted restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector and established a nationwide negative list management system for cross-border services trade.

Global Investment Priority
“According to the China Business Climate Survey Report released by the American Chamber of Commerce in China in January 2025, 48 percent of surveyed U.S. companies ranked China as a top-three global investment priority, and furthermore, 53 percent of respondents plan to increase their investments in China by 2025, with nearly 70 percent of consumer sector companies expressing confidence in the Chinese market,” writes Yasir Habib Khan, a columnist.

Guarantees For Yesterday’s Poor
“All 832 poverty-stricken counties that were removed from the poverty list in 2020 have cultivated two to three leading industries, with a total output value exceeding 1.7 trillion yuan ($230 billion). By enhancing the quality and efficiency of these industries, a stable income source is ensured for those lifted out of poverty. As at the end of 2024, the number of employed people from once poverty-stricken areas reached 33.05 million, maintaining a stable level above 30 million for four consecutive years.

Preventing Lapse, Relapse
“In this regard, the international community has enthused into the upcoming Two Sessions to get the bottom of another mega plan titled “No. 1 Central Document” for 2025 issued a few days back. It aims to prevent lapse and relapse into poverty, as well as creating a categorized assistance system for low-income residents and underdeveloped regions in rural areas,” Habib Khan writes.

14th Five-year Plan
“During this crucial Two Sessions meeting, China will announce its annual budgets and targets. Importantly, this year's sessions are particularly significant as they will mark the conclusion of the People's Republic of China's 14th Five-Year Plan spanning from 2021 to 2025.
“The 14th Five-Year Plan is essential for advancing Chinese modernization by focusing on new quality productive forces and various key areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the digital economy, and other innovative industries. This year's Two Sessions will assess the successes and failures of the 14th Five-Year Plan's goals and strategize the path for China's modernization in the near future. This reiterates the deliberate planning and implementation of the Chinese modernization process which African countries must endear themselves with.

Comprehensive Reforms 
“Another important aspect of Chinese modernization that is of significance to countries in Africa is reforms in the political system, governance, and institutional structures. China’s government has exceedingly focused on deepening reform comprehensively with systematic and holistic plans, to pave the way for a brand-new stage in China’s development. 
"Indeed, the importance of reforms for Chinese modernization cannot be overemphasized. Chinese modernization has continuously been advanced through reform and opening up,” writes Efem N. Ubi, Professor of International Relations/Strategic Studies and China-Africa Studies, Director of Studies with the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. Ubi is also a distinguished visiting Professor at the Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, China.

Priorities For Coming Year
“The Two Sessions offer a glimpse into China’s economic direction and, as a key partner of China, it is important for Africa to pay attention to and examine the outcomes of the meetings. At the meetings, the government delivers a work report that contains such vital economic priorities as the annual growth target and other major economic indicators, including the deficit-to-GDP ratio and inflation target. It also sets development priorities for the year.

Common Consensus, Aspirations 
“The uniqueness of China’s political system lies in the fact that institutions function not only as the structural expression of broadly shared values within society, but also reflect the common consensus and aspirations for a better life for all, enabling both citizen participation and leaders’ responsibility and accountability. When institutions are based on broadly shared values, they become a potent force for national development.

Home-grown Political Experience 
“The holding of the Two Sessions demonstrates China’s home-grown initiative and wisdo...