The Communist Party of China has provided a glimpse of the strategic thrusts that will form the core of the 15th Five-Year Plan, scheduled to be unveiled in March 2026. The recommendations approved by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in October 2025 constitute the preliminary framework that will guide the final version of the plan, scheduled for release in March 2026.

AMEC has collected the key aspects known to date and put them together in a document that members can download from the CoLAB platform (link at the end of this note).

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Industrial modernization and strengthening of the real economy

The plan prioritizes the construction of a modernized industrial system as the basis for its development. The strategy encourages a transition to higher value-added activities, promoting the digitization and modernization of traditional industries such as mining, metallurgy, chemicals, machinery, shipbuilding and construction.

In parallel, China will accelerate the development of emerging sectors linked to new energy, new materials, aerospace and drones, along with cutting-edge technologies such as quantum, biofabrication, hydrogen, fusion, brain-computer interfaces, embedded intelligence and 6G communications.

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Promoting scientific and technological self-sufficiency

Technological self-sufficiency is consolidated as a strategic pillar. The plan calls for advances in critical areas-semiconductors, industrial machinery, advanced materials, biotechnology and critical software-andpromotes the integration of education, science, technology and talent. It also reinforces the Digital China initiative to expand the use of advanced technologies in industry and services.

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Stimulation of domestic demand and unified market

China reinforces the “dual circulation” strategy to boost domestic consumption and effective investment. The preliminary framework calls for improving household income and social welfare. The drive for a unified domestic market is aligned with the reduction of provincial barriers and regulatory harmonization to optimize resource allocation.

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Economic openness and global cooperation

The draft strategy expands institutional openness, especially in the services, biotechnology, telecommunications and education sectors. It also seeks to attract foreign investment through a more transparent and predictable regulatory environment. Innovation in trade and the expansion of international agreements complement this line of openness.

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Governance and economic reform

The advanced recommendations propose reforms aimed at strengthening the socialist market economy. These include the revitalization of state-owned and private enterprises, improvements in the allocation of productive factors and the strengthening of macroeconomic governance. In addition, it is planned to boost the digital RMB, strengthen Shanghai’s role as an international financial center and consolidate the modernization of national security.