Building the new era: Chinese premier stresses promoting sustained, sound econom

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, joins lawmakers from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in a group deliberation at the fifth session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on March 6 stressed making concerted and concrete efforts to ensure sustained and sound economic and social development.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when joining lawmakers from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in a group deliberation on the government work report at the ongoing fifth session of the 13th National People's Congress, the national legislature.

Li acknowledged that China's development could face more difficulties and challenges this year, and called on Guangxi to make good use of supportive policies and tap into its potentials to achieve better development.

Guangxi should take the opportunity of the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement and promote its cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Li said.

Li highlighted the importance of tax refunds and cuts in boosting the vitality of market entities, underscoring that these policies should go straight to market entities and tax refunds should prioritize micro and small enterprises with more emphasis on supporting the manufacturing sector.

On guaranteeing and improving people's wellbeing, Li called for efforts to continuously strengthen compulsory education, improve primary-level medical services, and advance affordable housing construction.