Mewati Sitaram – Beijing
China’s new Premier Li Qiang, in the presence of hundreds of journalists from across the globe attended his first ever media conference in Golden Hall of Great Hall of People in Central Beijing. The conference was organised after the closing of the first session of the 14th National People’s Congress. He answered questions from the media concerning China’s economic development, international relations and people’s livelihood.
China’s new premier, Li Qiang, has addressed the country’s private sector, assuring them that conditions for entrepreneurial businesses will improve and that companies will be given equal treatment regardless of their own type. He pledged support for private businesses, after a yearlong crackdown on the real estate, education and tech sectors, investor confidence and decimated the wealth of the country’s most successful entrepreneurs.
During his first public appearance at a media conference, the former Communist Party secretary of Shanghai and a trusted associate of President Xi Jinping also stated that the country will implement measures to stimulate employment.
Li said the goal for the economy to expand about 5% in 2023 won’t be easy to achieve, as China faces immense challenges at home and abroad. But he also reiterated that there are new markets and opportunities to be explored, and the country will treat all business enterprises on an equal footing. “Private entrepreneurs will enjoy a better environment and further space for development,” the new premier said. “Government officials at all levels must sincerely care for and support private enterprises.”
Premier Li said as far as people’s livelihood is concerned China will continue to pursue an employment-first strategy and increase government support to create more jobs, he also promised to support and regulate the development of new forms of employment. He said China will deepen reform of its rural sector to provide drivers for rural revitalization. China’s food security is well guaranteed, and it will make sure that the rice bowls of its 1.4 billion people will always be firmly held in their own hands. It will further increase its grain production capacity by focusing on two key factors – arable land and seeds, according to the premier.
Li also said Efforts will continue to be made to strengthen medical and health service systems at all levels, speed up the development of new vaccines and medicines, and keep communication and cooperation with the international community.
On China economy policies, Li emphasised that China’s development is supported by multiple advantages, it includes a huge market, a complete industrial system, plentiful human resources, development foundation and institutional strength. China will make good use of a number of policy mixes in leveraging macro policies, expanding demand, advancing reform and innovation, and preventing and defusing risks, the premier said. The emphasis will be placed on ensuring stable growth, employment and pricing.
In a support to private enterprises Li said China will enjoy a better environment and broader space for development. The government will create a market-oriented, level-playing field and further support private enterprises in growing and thriving.
Li added that China will further expand opening-up this year in alignment with high-standard international trade rules. It will open its door wider to the world with a better business environment and services. Noting that China’s economy is picking up again in the past two months and some international organizations have raised their forecasts for China’s 2023 economic growth, Li believed “the Chinese economy will brave the wind and waves and sail toward a brighter future.”
As China is the world’s second-largest economy, it remains to be seen how the country will navigate the challenges and work towards achieving its economic goals in the coming time.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
