Strong real economy 'a must'

Xi calls a boost in manufacturing a strategic choice

President Xi Jinping highlighted the importance of building a strong real economy and boosting the manufacturing industry on Thursday amid the government's efforts to stabilize economic growth and deepen reform.

Noting that it's an arduous task to build a comprehensive well-off society, Xi called for solid efforts to push forward sustainable and healthy development of the economy and society, thus paving the way for the success of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China later this year.