At the end of 2010, we present 10 of the most common and vital economic indicators in China to help you monitor the pulse of the livelihood of ordinary Chinese people and the development of the Chinese economy.

Real GDP (Gross Domestic Product) grows by 10 percent

Economists predicted that China's GDP growth in 2010 would maintain at a relatively high level of 10 percent, 2 percent higher than the 8-percent benchmark Premier Wen set in the Government Work Report delivered at the closing ceremony of annual NPC (National People's Congress) session early this year.

China's national economy progressed better than expected in 2010 but still faced the pressures of inflation coupled with slow recovery of demand in overseas markets. In 2011, China must carefully handle the interplay of different factors, such as stable growth, structural adjustment and inflation expectations, and set price stabilization as the top priority. These are the fundamentals for China's healthy and stably economic development.

Fiscal revenue exceeds 8 trillion yuan

Official statistics showed the annual fiscal revenue was expected to hit the benchmark of 8 trillion yuan in 2011. The big increase in fiscal revenue demonstrated rapid national development. But the excess revenue also sparked people's discussion on the true meaning of a "strong China" and "wealthy Chinese."

China will continue to pursue a proactive fiscal policy in the coming year. The Ministry of Finance noted that the budget for expenditures in 2011 would embody the theme of scientific development, transformation of economic development as well as the improvement of the wellbeing of the masses.

Farmers' incomes increased more than 8.3 percent

According to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture, the increase in farmers' per capita net incomes is expected to surpass 8.3 percent, the average level of the previous four years. It has maintained relatively high growth for seven consecutive years.

Farmers' incomes have continued to increase substantially from the beginning of this year, which is to say the price of major agricultural produce has gone up with the increase of output. Wages rose as more and more farmers found jobs in more affluent regions. With additional policies to support and benefit agriculture, farmers' incomes will be further increased.

Millions of job opportunities created

Statistics from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security showed that 9.3 million employment opportunities had been created in the first three quarters this year, surpassing the yearly target of nine million set for 2010.

General speaking, 11 million people have benefited from new job opportunities on average during the 11th Five-Year Plan period.

Grain production increased for seventh consecutive year

Data from National Bureau of Statistics illustrated that the grain production in 2010 hit an all-time high of 546.4 million tons. This is the first time in the past five decades that there has been an increase for seven consecutive years.

With special attention from the CPC Central Committee and the central government, powerful and favorable policies and sci-tech support, grain production will hopefully maintain the good momentum of robust growth.
RMB appreciated against the dollar by 2.5 percent

Since China's central bank announced renewed reforms of the exchange rate, the RMB experienced a slight appreciation of 2.5 percent. Capital so far has shown a sign of two-way flow and strong elasticity.

RMB appreciation still faces great external pressure. China should follow proactive, controllable and gradual principles to stabilize the RMB exchange rate.

CPI increased 3 percent

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in 2010 kept increasing in 2010. In November, it hit a 28-month high of 5 percent. Experts project that the annual CPI index would be slightly higher than 3 percent.

Global monetary liquidity was behind the price hike, and China will shift from a flexible monetary policy to a more stable one. With the implementation of various macro-control policies, the general price level next year will remain stable.

Energy savings, emissions reduction met goals

The year 2010 is the final phase for the national energy saving and emission reduction campaign of the 11th Five-Year Plan. We are confident that China's emission reduction target can be met and the objective of a 10-percent decrease of major pollutants can be realized.

However, China still faces the task of the adjustment of its economic development pattern and structure, so we cannot afford to underestimate energy saving and emission reduction and need to establish a mechanism for future sustainable development.

Sales volume of automobiles hit 18 million

According to China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, the sales of automobiles this year will hit 18 million, making China the world top auto producer and the largest global auto market.

Now that the government has ended most policies to subsidize the purchase of automobiles and cities have introduced measures to ease traffic congestion nationwide, China's auto market will definitely endure a new test next year. But the production and consumption of automobiles will highlight the theme of energy saving and environment protection.

Trade surplus dropping to 18 billion US dollars

China's trade surplus is expected to drop below 18 billion U.S. dollars in 2010 and the trade balance will be further improved, said Chen Deming, Minister of Commerce.

Although trade volume has decreased this year, China still faces pressures from major trading partners, such as the United States and E.U. member countries. China needs to adjust its trade structure by increasing imports. Particularly, it must strike a balance of payments by increasing imports from countries with which China holds huge trade surpluses.