The People's Republic announces targets for 2016-2020

China's 13th Five-Year Plan is of special importance. 2020 is the deadline set by the world's most populated country for achieving its goal of becoming a "moderately prosperous society". Roland Berger's latest study "Keep the dragon flying" examines the industries most likely to be impacted by the plan.

In particular, China's massive chemical market comes under the microscope. The country's desired transformation towards a more consumer and import oriented economy will have far reaching consequences for the chemical market, which is forecast to be worth a staggering 1.3 trillion by 2025. Growth in the chemical market in the People's Republic is expected to take place at a rate of between 5 and 9 percent per year between 2020 and 2025.

But first, China needs to master a number of challenges, including overproduction. High investment over the past few years has led to oversupply and a number of products, including chlorine and caprolactam are at capacity.

Broadly speaking, China faces other challenges. Many companies, including China's state-owned enterprises, are deeply in debt. Labor costs are also on the rise, undermining the country's competitiveness compared to other low cost exporters such as India and parts of Africa.

Despite the positive growth trend slowing in comparison with the boom years between 2010 and 2015, stable economic growth is forecast for China. Opportunities for international companies are on offer on a number of fronts.