- Conducts follow-up and advanced study on comprehensive, strategic and long-term issues in national, economic and social development and provides policy recommendations and advice to the CPC Central Committee and the State Council; provides decision-making proposals for mid- and long-term development plans and regional development policies; participates in and sponsors the study and demonstration of development programs by departments and localities and offers advice and proposals
- Studies trends in the development of the national economy and analyzes the macro-economic situation to provide advice and proposals for the application of macro-economic policies
- Studies industrial economic development and industrial policies; advises and proposals on adjusting the industrial structure, investment structure, enterprise organization structure, and ownership structure; advises on policies for technology and innovation, as well as the development of new and high technologies
- Studies issues in agriculture and rural economic structure adjustment, rural economic system change, rural economy and social management, as well as coordinated development of urban-rural areas
- Studies new issues in China’s opening-up, as well as foreign trade and foreign investment policies, and provides policy recommendations; conducts research on trends in global economic development to provide reference for China’s reform and development
- Studies policies for human resources development, income distribution, and social security in national, economic, and social development, as well as policies for rational development and utilization of natural resources, ecological balance and environmental protection
- Makes assessments on major economic and social policy initiatives and impacts under the instruction of CPC Central Committee and the State Council; interprets major national policies and experience relating to economic and social development
- Undertakes drafting of documents and articles entrusted by leading members of CPC Central Committee and the State Council
- Conducts international collaborative research and exchange with international organizations and research institutions and provides information and foreign-related policy recommendations to the CPC Central Committee and the State Council
- Undertakes other missions entrusted by the State Council