MNI BRIEF: China to Align Growth with Jobs, Environment: Off'l

China's 2021-2025 growth plan has accounted for more inclusive goals including job creation, cutting energy consumption and carbon emission intensities, so the government has refrained from asserting a numeric target, said Deputy Director Hu Zucai of the National Development and Reform Commission.

The government also wants to allow more flexible growth in case of uncertainties and risks, said Hu at a press conference on Monday. China is committed to keeping the surveyed unemployment rate under 5.5% for the next five years, lowering energy consumption per unit GDP by 13.5% and carbon dioxide emission per GDP unit by 18% by 2025, according to the Five-Year Plan published last week.

Weak consumption and investment and the struggles of small businesses continue to challenge the economy this year, the NDRC said.