STORY: China's economic recovery continues with promising outlook
DATELINE: July 21, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:57
LOCATION: Beijing
CATEGORY: ECONOMY
 
SHOTLIST:
1. various of China-related footage
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LI HUI, Senior official with the National Development and Reform Commission
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): FU LINGHUI, Spokesperson of the National Bureau of Statistics
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): FOO SUAN YONG, Senior economist of ASEAN +3 Macroeconomic Research Office
5. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): DETLEF KRATZ, President of group research at German chemical giant BASF
6. SOUNDBITE 5 (English): BENOIT BAZIN, CEO, Saint-Gobain Group
 
STORYLINE:
 
Despite external challenges, the Chinese economy has shown remarkable improvement and performance this year, instilling confidence in its development prospects.
 
The economic data for the first half of 2023 reflects this positive trend, with China's gross domestic product (GDP) reaping year-on-year growth of 5.5 percent.
 
Government officials say China's economy has been returning to the track of normal growth after the pandemic and its vitality remains strong, as indicated by numerous economic indicators.
 
SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LI HUI, Senior official with the National Development and Reform Commission
"The Chinese economy shows strong resilience, vitality, and great potential. The long-term positive fundamentals remain unchanged, which is why we have confidence in the prospects for the Chinese economy in the second half of this year."
 
SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): FU LINGHUI, Spokesperson of the National Bureau of Statistics
"Consumer spending will continue to play a significant role in driving the overall economy. As production and demand become more interconnected, it will gradually lead to increased employment and income growth for residents. This, in turn, will foster a favorable environment for sustaining and increasing consumer willingness and confidence to spend."
 
Business insiders believe China's economic performance in the first half has laid a solid foundation for the whole year.
 
SOUNDBITE 3 (English): FOO SUAN YONG, Senior economist of ASEAN +3 Macroeconomic Research Office
"I think that China's economic performance in the first half of this year has been actually quite creditable with several signs of strength."
 
SOUNDBITE 4 (English): DETLEF KRATZ, President of group research at German chemical giant BASF
"We have always invested in China and we have continued that. For us, we go where the market is. It's always been the case. We produce in the place where the market is. The largest chemical market is here. For me, it would be a risk not to invest here."
 
SOUNDBITE 5 (English): BENOIT BAZIN, CEO, Saint-Gobain Group
"China is a fast-growing market and economy for us. So a lot of energy, a lot of talents. It gives me a lot of confidence for the future."
 
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Beijing.
(XHTV)