National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC)

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) is China's primary economic planning authority. It plays a crucial role in setting the country's economic agenda, approving major investment projects, and formulating industrial policies. The NDRC is newsworthy due to recent policy shifts aimed at rebalancing China's economic growth model. Recent developments include tightening approvals for railway projects amid concerns about overbuilding and debt risks, as well as announcing new measures to bolster domestic demand and hi-tech industries in the 2026 five-year plan. These initiatives reflect a move away from investment-led growth towards consumption and technological advancement, highlighting the NDRC's central role in shaping China's economic future and addressing emerging challenges like overcapacity in sectors like robotics.