Summary of Key Points
This news article focuses on the expansion and improvement of the service industry, covering three main aspects: First, the National Development and Reform Commission held a meeting to implement the spirit of the national service industry conference, outlining "three guidelines" (objectives, issues, and practical actions) and specific measures such as removing restrictions, expanding services exports, and promoting projects. Second, the importance of the service industry—它 is the main driver of economic growth (contributing over 60%) and a significant source of employment (accounting for nearly half of all jobs). Third, various provinces have developed their own development strategies based on local conditions (for example, Shanghai is focusing on emerging sectors, Guangdong has set a target of 11 trillion yuan, and Shandong is integrating the service industry with manufacturing). The long-term goal is to achieve a service industry worth over 100 trillion yuan by 2030.
The Service Industry: A Double Pillar for Economy and Employment
While many people may associate the service industry with traditional services like dining and delivery, it has already become the largest sector of the national economy.
- Economic Driver: During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, the value added by the service industry will exceed 10 trillion yuan three times, reaching over 80 trillion yuan by 2025, contributing more than 60% to economic growth—meaning that 6 out of every 10 yuan of GDP comes from the service industry.
- Employment Driver: The service industry offers a wide range of job opportunities and has high employment flexibility; the same level of economic growth can create more jobs in this sector. By the end of 2024, the service industry will employ 360 million people, accounting for 48.8% of the total workforce. New professions such as online delivery workers and brain-computer interface technicians have emerged due to the development of the service industry.
Experts suggest that as per capita GDP exceeds $13,000, people are more willing to spend on services (such as tourism, education, and healthcare), and manufacturing companies also require more specialized services (like research and development, logistics). Therefore, expanding and improving the quality of the service industry is an inevitable trend.
The "Three Guidelines" from the Meeting: What Actions to Take?
The meeting established three clear guidelines for all regions and departments:
1. Goal-Oriented: Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach; each region should find its own focus, such as tourism or technology services, and set specific goals (e.g., increasing the number of service businesses this year).
2. Issue-Oriented: Address the challenges faced by companies, such as removing unreasonable restrictions and expanding services exports.
3. Practical Action-Oriented: Focus on key areas, such as promoting major projects and building strong "Chinese service" brands (like Huawei's technical services or Douyin's cultural services).
Service Exports: A New Growth Driver for Foreign Trade
Foreign trade used to rely mainly on the sale of goods, but service exports are now growing rapidly:
- Statistical Evidence: From January to May 2026, service exports increased by 15.9% (much faster than overall foreign trade growth). Intellectual property fees exports grew by 64.9%, indicating that Chinese services are becoming more valuable, and travel service exports increased by 31.3% due to increased tourism.
- Policy Support: In March, nine departments introduced policies to promote travel service exports (e.g., simplifying entry procedures); in April, a standardization plan for trade in services was released to align Chinese services with international standards; there are also plans to establish national service trade innovation zones to help Chinese services gain a global presence.
Provinces Developing Their Own Strategies
After the national service industry conference, each province has developed its own strategy:
- Shanghai: With the service industry accounting for nearly 80% of GDP, Shanghai focuses on emerging sectors such as AI software services, brain-computer interface healthcare, and immersive cultural tourism (e.g., metaverse theme parks), with a goal of achieving a service industry value added of 6 trillion yuan by 2030.
- Guangdong: Both manufacturing and the service industry are strong in this province, with a target of over 11 trillion yuan for the service industry by 2030. Guangzhou is developing unique scenarios (e.g., vibrant nighttime economies and ice and snow tourism), while Shenzhen is focusing on AI-powered services (e.g., using AI for customer support and design).
- Shandong: Emphasizes integrating the service industry with manufacturing, such as incorporating services into research and development, production, and marketing processes. Manufacturing companies are shifting from selling equipment to providing comprehensive solutions (e.g., machine tools plus maintenance and training).
- Zhejiang: Targets specific sectors using AI technology (e.g., AI in tourism and healthcare) and promotes integration with agriculture and manufacturing.
The Future Goal: A Service Industry Worth Over 100 Trillion Yuan by 2030
The State Council aims to make the service industry worth over 100 trillion yuan by 2030, with improved quality, structure, and vitality. By then, we can expect better services—e.g., virtual consultations with experts from home, more immersive travel experiences, and more professional technical services for businesses. Experts believe that the development of the service industry will drive high-quality growth and enhance our lives.
In summary, the service industry is no longer a supporting role; it is a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and quality of life improvement. The meetings and actions taken by various regions are all aimed at elevating the service industry to a new level, benefiting ordinary people.