Li assures Tonga PM on China's reforms

Two nations set to cooperate on tourism, energy and agriculture

The new Chinese leadership is pushing forward with its development and reform initiatives, Premier Li Keqiang said on Monday, adding that these efforts will play an important role in the global economic recovery.

Li made the remarks when meeting visiting Tongan Prime Minister Siale'ataongo Tu'ivakano at the Great Hall of the People.

Li told his guest the government is "wholeheartedly pushing for scientific development and improving people's livelihoods”, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Beijing is coordinating the targets of stable growth, structural adjustment and promoting reform, Li said, adding that proposed development and reform initiatives are being launched in the correct order.

The government will continue stimulating the vitality of the market and internal motivation of development by curbing the power of bureaucrats, Li said.

"The Chinese government will continue pushing forward reforms that will affect the whole economic situation in areas including fiscal, tax and financing and push for real economic development and structural adjustment,” he said.

Sustainable and healthy development of the Chinese economy will play an important role in global economic recovery, Li said. He said Beijing would like to expand cooperation with Tonga in agriculture, fishery, new energy and tourism, as well as in global affairs.

Tu'ivakano said his country attaches great importance to its ties with China and admires China's achievements.

He conveyed condolences to China for the magnitude-6.6 earthquake that hit Gansu province at 7:45 am on Monday.