Premier Li stresses solid reform efforts

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday called for solid efforts in pushing forward reforms to achieve new breakthroughs in the country's economic and social development. At a workshop attended by leading officials of provincial-level regions and ministerial-level officials, Li reiterated the importance of reforms for sustainable and healthy growth. Acknowledging the difficulties in the process, he urged a determinate yet progressive approach by first piloting reforms in some areas before rolling them out nationwide. Li said the target is to make sure that benefits are shared by the public. During Tuesday's workshop, Li detailed major tasks in deepening reforms in areas such as administrative procedures, fiscal systems, financial market and regional development. He also stressed the proper handling of the relationship between government and market so as to create a fair environment for market entities. The workshop was presided by Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli. China's economy grew 7.7 percent in 2013, overshooting the government target of 7.5 percent. The growth target for 2014 will be announced in March, which analysts largely expect to be kept at 7.5 percent to allow leeway for reforms.