Free trade seen as key to global economic growth

China to pursue more cooperation agreements this year, say commerce officials

Editor's Note: China's top leaders wrapped up the three-day Central Economic Work Conference on Dec 16. At the tone-setting meeting, policymakers mapped out policy stances for the country's economic development in 2017. China Daily analyzes the tasks and challenges China will face in 2017, to provide an insight into how the world's second-largest economy will tackle thorny restructuring and reform challenges.

Supporting a multilateral trading system is the most effective way of beating sluggish global economic recovery, weak trade and investment activities, a lack of growth momentum and the growing backlash against globalization, according to senior commerce ministry officials.