The Committee for Economic Affairs of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference met on Feb 21 to discuss ways to cushion the economic impact of the novel coronavirus(COVID-19) outbreak.   

The attendees said they believe that China's economy is resilient enough to withstand various kinds of uncertainties and is set to remain on an upward trajectory in the long run. 

The weaknesses in our economic and social systems exposed by the outbreak need to be addressed with more extensive reforms. More targeted and effective measures should be introduced to help businesses resume operations, they said.  

Vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee Gao Yunlong said the effort to stem the spread of the virus is producing results, which demonstrates the strengths of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the unity of the Chinese nation and China's sense of responsibility as a major power. 

Gao said we need to boost people's confidence in containing the virus with inspiring stories and timely and transparent information-sharing. Workable policies must be put in place to shore up the confidence of the business community. Further reforms are needed to vitalize the market and encourage entrepreneurship and investment.