The five chief economists interviewed generally believe that GDP growth in the first quarter is expected to reach around 5%, and the Chinese economy will achieve a "good start"; macroeconomic policies will closely align with the full-year targets and tasks, and will be more proactive, effective, coordinated, and precise in their efforts. Ming Ming, Chief Economist at CITIC Securities, stated that the value added of industrial enterprises above the designated size increased by 6.3% year-on-year in January to February; fixed asset investment turned from a decline to growth, with infrastructure investment achieving a high year-on-year increase of 11.4%, reflecting a sustained upward trend in investment. Overall, the economy is expected to achieve a growth rate close to 5% in the first quarter. (Securities Daily)
