Key document reveals China's 2022 policy priorities

Significance

The meeting itself is mostly theatre, but the government's 'Work Report' presented there offers insight into an opaque policy system. With China largely closed to the world, this window into the Party's thinking is more important than ever. The 'Common Prosperity' slogan was conspicuous by its near-absence.

Impacts

• Consumers and firms selling high-quality products will welcome the focus on economic stability and stricter standards, even as growth slows.
• There may be new commercial opportunities in health, elderly care and sports.
• The business environment remains tough and risks for foreign governments and firms abound in an increasingly nationalistic climate.
• Doubling down on 'zero COVID' measures extinguishes any hope of international travel returning to normal.