China says it will still pay attention to economic growth rate

China will still pay attention to its economic growth rate despite opting not to set a target this year due to heightened uncertainties stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, an official of the country's cabinet said on Friday. Sun Guojun, one of the writers for the government's work report presented to the Chinese parliament earlier in the day, told reporters during a briefing that China opted not to set a growth target because the government cannot accurately predict the economic trajectory due to the uncertainties.

He said economic growth is still important for ensuring that Beijing's employment and poverty alleviation goals are met. China is not abandoning growth, he said.