Li underlines growth in key meeting

Premier meets economists, biz leaders; swears by reforms, opening-up policy

Premier Li Qiang pledged on Friday China will place greater emphasis on implementing macroeconomic policies aimed at transforming development methods, restructuring the economy and enhancing growth momentum.

Speaking during a meeting with economists and business leaders, Li said China will be unwavering in deepening reforms, expanding opening-up, expediting steps to cultivate new growth drivers and strengthening high-quality development.

Premier Li earnestly received advice from eminent economists such as Liu Yuanchun, Huang Qunhui, Huang Yiping and Gao Ruidong.

At the meeting, business leaders such as Zhong Baoshen, president of LONGi Green Energy Technology Co, a prominent photovoltaics company, and Zhang Tianren, chairman of Chinese battery maker Tianneng Group, offered their insights.

They highlighted the bright prospects for China's long-term economic growth, and also offered advice on solving the problems facing the economy now.

The meeting was organized at a time when China's economic momentum is seen as having firmed up in September on the back of manufacturing activity that has started to expand again for the first time in half a year.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the official purchasing managers index for the manufacturing sector came in at 50.2 in September, above the boom-bust line of 50 for the first time in six months and rising for the fourth consecutive month.

Li told the economists and business leaders at the meeting that China's economic performance has been steadily improving, laying a solid foundation for achieving the economic growth goals for this year. China has set for itself the goal of GDP growth of around 5 percent for this year.

He, however, urged experts to develop a clear understanding of the difficulties and challenges on the path forward.

It is important to firm up confidence, maintain a strong resolve, pursue progress while ensuring stability, and take concrete steps to promote high-quality development, the premier said.

High-quality development should be prioritized while formulating growth strategies, economic policies and macroeconomic regulations, he said.