China has unveiled the results of its fifth national economic census, highlighting significant growth in the digital economy and increased employment in the country’s secondary and tertiary industries.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China had 33.27 million legal units operating in the secondary and tertiary sectors by the end of 2023, marking a 52.7% increase since 2018. Employment in these sectors also rose to over 428.98 million people, an 11.9% jump from five years ago.
For the first time, the census included data on the digital economy. China reported having 2.92 million enterprises engaged in core digital industries, employing 36.16 million people. The total annual business revenue from these industries reached a staggering 48.45 trillion yuan (about $6.74 trillion), showcasing the robust growth of China’s digital sector.
“The capacity for technological innovation and labor productivity has continued to improve,” said Kang Yi, head of the National Bureau of Statistics. “The industrial structure has been optimized, and the digital economy has experienced robust growth.”
The census also revealed that the number of self-employed units reached nearly 88 million, providing jobs for 179.56 million people. These figures reflect China’s ongoing economic development and the expansion of opportunities for entrepreneurs and workers alike.
China’s national economic census is conducted every five years and provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s economic landscape. The latest census involved a post-enumeration check to ensure the data’s authenticity and reliability.
Based on the census data, China’s gross domestic product (GDP) for 2023 was revised to 129.4 trillion yuan (about $18 trillion), an increase of 3.4 trillion yuan from the preliminary calculation. This revision highlights the significant impact of the digital economy and other sectors on China’s overall economic performance.
The growing numbers reflect China’s commitment to technological innovation and economic development, offering insights into the nation’s progress and its role in the global economy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
