China will conduct its fifth national economic census in 2023 to take stock of its economic and social development. It is a systematic project that requires careful planning, organization and arrangement, and the participation of all parties. China has carried out similar censuses in 2004, 2008, 2013 and 2018.

The size of China's digital economy has remained the second-largest in the world for many years, increasing from 11 trillion yuan ($1.58 trillion) in 2012 to 45.5 trillion yuan in 2021, accounting for 39.8 percent of the GDP, up from 21.6 percent.

The core industries of the digital economy should be a key area the upcoming economic census will cover. Since June this year, 14 provincial-level regions have carried out special trials to strengthen statistical monitoring of core industries in the digital economy, and new types of consumption led by new business forms and models.

The National Bureau of Statistics releases macroeconomic data on a monthly basis, but most of these data are based on spot checks or voluntary reporting by local governments. In contrast, the national economic census is a systematic and comprehensive survey of all localities.

The upcoming census will carry out an input-output survey to realize the coordination of economic aggregate and structural data and improve the efficiency of the census. A series of issues, such as whether funds are used in the most needed places and whether they have promoted the adjustment, transformation and upgrading of the industrial structure, must be confirmed through the census.

Mastering the country's economic situations will provide accurate statistical information for China's economic and social development.

THEPAPER.CN