Statistical Bulletin of the Peoples Republic of China on National Economic and Social Development in 2009 EnglishStatistical Communiqué of the Peoples Republic of China on the 2009 National Economic a

outlook of the national economic and social development in 2009 was stable and positive.

II. Agriculture, Rural Areas and Farmers

In 2009, the agricultural production maintained a steady growth. The total grain output of the year reached 528.8 million tons, up by 14.06 million tons or 2.7 percent over the previous year. The production of meat, eggs and milk also increased. The rural economy and the living standard of farmers continued to improve. The per capita net income of rural residents was 5,153 yuan, up by 8.5 percent over the previous year.

III. Industry

In 2009, the industrial production maintained a steady growth. The value added of large-scale industrial enterprises above designated size increased by 11.7 percent over the previous year. The proportion of high-tech industries in the industrial structure continued to increase. The energy consumption per unit of GDP decreased by 14.38 percent over the previous year.

IV. Investment

In 2009, the investment in fixed assets maintained a steady growth. The total investment in fixed assets of the year was 22,530.9 billion yuan, up by 30.1 percent over the previous year. The investment in infrastructure construction and social undertakings increased significantly.

V. Domestic Trade

In 2009, the domestic trade maintained a steady growth. The total retail sales of consumer goods of the year reached 12,525.6 billion yuan, up by 15.5 percent over the previous year. The e-commerce continued to develop rapidly.

VI. Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation

In 2009, the foreign trade and economic cooperation faced severe challenges posed by the international financial crisis. However, under the joint efforts of the government and enterprises, the foreign trade of the year maintained a steady growth. The total value of import and export of goods of the year was 2,210.7 billion US dollars, down by 13.9 percent over the previous year. The total value of exports of goods was 1,202.8 billion US dollars, down by 16.0 percent, and that of imports of goods was 1,007.9 billion US dollars, down by 11.2 percent.

VII. Price

In 2009, the price level of the country maintained a steady growth. The consumer price index (CPI) of the year increased by 1.5 percent over the previous year. The producer price index (PPI) of industrial products decreased by 4.6 percent over the previous year.

VIII. Employment and Social Security

In 2009, the employment and social security situation maintained a stable and positive trend. The total number of employed people of the year was 772.1 million, up by 11.02 million over the previous year. The registered urban unemployment rate of the year was 4.3 percent, down by 0.5 percentage point over the previous year. The social security system continued to improve.

IX. Education, Science and Technology, Culture and Health

In 2009, the development of education, science and technology, culture and health continued to improve. The enrollment rate of preschool education reached 63.4 percent, that of compulsory education reached 99.1 percent, and that of high school education reached 82.5 percent. The expenditure on research and development (R&D) of the year was 572.1 billion yuan, up by 23.6 percent over the previous year. The cultural industry continued to develop. The health service system continued to improve.

X. National Defense

In 2009, the national defense of the country was strengthened. The defense expenditure of the year was 480.7 billion yuan, up by 14.9 percent over the previous year. The armed forces continued to enhance their combat readiness and modernization.

In 2009, the country faced severe challenges posed by the international financial crisis. However, under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, the country adopted a series of proactive measures to deal with the crisis, and the national economic and social development maintained a stable and positive trend