Core Viewpoint - The expansion of domestic demand is crucial for sustainable economic development in China, with modern productive services likely to become a new driving force for economic growth as traditional sectors like real estate and exports show signs of weakening [1] Group 1: Understanding Productive Services - There is a need to redefine the role of productive services in the economy, recognizing them as a new form of entity economy that supports manufacturing and enhances competitiveness [2] - Productive services should not be equated with general services or viewed as a bubble sector; their contribution to manufacturing must be accurately assessed [2] - Establishing a market-based pricing system for human capital and intellectual property is essential for the growth of productive services [2] Group 2: Institutional Barriers - To promote the development of modern productive services, it is necessary to deepen market reforms and eliminate institutional barriers that hinder specialization and marketization [3] - There should be equal treatment in policies for productive services and manufacturing, particularly regarding access to land and financial resources [3] - The opening of productive services to both domestic and international markets should be facilitated by reducing entry barriers [3] Group 3: Shift in Investment Focus - The focus of investment should shift from expanding capacity at the back end of the industrial chain to supporting productive services at the front end, especially as demand in manufacturing contracts [4] - Strengthening the use of information and digital technologies to enhance the demand for productive services from related industries is critical [4] - Establishing a specialized procurement mechanism for productive services and developing new infrastructure is recommended to support this shift [4]

Group 1 - The China-Oman Friendship and Cooperation Forum was held in Salalah, Oman, on July 31, aiming to provide a platform for dialogue and communication between the two countries [1][2] - Oman views China as an important partner, with significant progress made under the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly in infrastructure, new energy, and technology sectors [1] - The forum emphasized the need for sustainable partnerships and the implementation of practical projects to support economic development in both countries [1] Group 2 - The forum was co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Oman, the Oman-China Friendship Association, and the "Oman Observer," involving discussions on Oman's development strategy, investment incentives, and areas of cooperation [2] - The Chinese ambassador to Oman highlighted the potential for Oman to play a more significant role in Belt and Road cooperation, noting that China is Oman's largest trading partner [1][2]

Group 1 - China's GDP growth for the first half of 2025 reached 5.3%, an increase of 0.3 percentage points compared to the same period in 2024 [2] - The retail sales of consumer goods in China grew by 5.0% year-on-year, with online retail sales increasing by 8.5% [2] - The contribution of final consumption expenditure to economic growth exceeded 52% in the second quarter, indicating strong consumer demand [2][3] Group 2 - Foreign institutions, including Citibank and Goldman Sachs, have raised their forecasts for China's economic growth in 2025, reflecting sustained economic momentum [3] - The manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose by 0.2 percentage points in June, indicating a recovery in manufacturing activity [3] - Despite external uncertainties, the Chinese economy is expected to maintain stable growth in the second half of the year, supported by structural adjustments and high-quality development practices [4]