(Beijing) – An important policy meeting is expected to be held this week, setting the tone for economic work in 2013 and beyond. This year's conference will garner even more attention because it will offer the first glimpse of economic policies from the new leadership that came to power in November. 

The Central Economic Work Conference is jointly organized by the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the State Council, China's cabinet. It is held in December each year and usually reviews that year's government policies on the economic front and plans for the next year. Although the conference will not spell out policy details, it sets the direction, often indicated in subtle word changes, and will soon be followed by specifics from ministries and departments.