加力实施更加积极的财政政策 ——对话中央财经大学校长马海涛

Core Viewpoint - The central economic work conference in 2024 emphasizes the implementation of a more proactive fiscal policy to stimulate economic growth, enhance employment, and support industrial transformation [1][2]. Fiscal Policy Adjustment - The shift from "active" to "more active" fiscal policy marks a significant adjustment in China's fiscal stance since 2008, aimed at addressing insufficient total demand and promoting high-quality economic development [2][3]. Fiscal Deficit and Debt Management - The fiscal deficit is set at around 4% for the year, with a deficit scale of 5.66 trillion yuan and plans to issue 1.3 trillion yuan in ultra-long-term special bonds, alongside 4.4 trillion yuan in new local government special bonds [3][4]. - The government maintains that the current deficit level is within a safe threshold, despite surpassing the traditional 3% warning line, as it reflects a strategic approach to fiscal space and debt management [5][7]. Economic Stimulus and Confidence Building - The proactive fiscal policy aims to expand domestic demand and stabilize confidence, providing financial support to stimulate consumption and investment, thereby enhancing overall economic activity [9][10]. - It also focuses on risk prevention in key areas, ensuring stable macroeconomic operations through targeted fiscal measures [10][11]. Support for Livelihood and Strategic Initiatives - The policy prioritizes investments in social welfare, education, healthcare, and other critical areas to enhance public services and support major national strategies, including green development and technological innovation [11][12]. - Specific measures include increasing subsidies for consumption, enhancing social security, and providing targeted support for vulnerable groups [12][22]. Coordination of Policies - There is a strong emphasis on the coordination between fiscal and monetary policies to enhance macroeconomic stability and promote a virtuous economic cycle [4][13]. - The government aims to leverage fiscal tools to attract social capital and ensure effective implementation of fiscal policies [13][19]. Challenges and Future Directions - The effectiveness of the more proactive fiscal policy may be constrained by existing inertia, systemic issues, and external economic pressures [14][16][17]. - Future efforts should focus on balancing short-term fiscal stability with long-term sustainability, optimizing fiscal resource allocation, and enhancing the overall impact of fiscal measures [19][20][21].