Li emphasizes high-quality development

Premier says 5-year term of incumbent govt crucial to nation's modernization

Premier Li Qiang vowed on Friday to push for overall economic operations to continuously improve and called on all those with a role in promoting the nation's economic performance to fully and faithfully put into place the decisions of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Li made the remarks while presiding over the first plenary meeting of the State Council — the nation's Cabinet — after he was appointed as premier at the first session of the 14th National People's Congress, the China's top legislature.

Li said that the five-year term of the incumbent government is crucial in serving as a good launchpad for building China into a modern socialist country in all respects. Its main task is to implement and follow through on the decisions and policies of the CPC Central Committee, he said, urging each and every official to be people of "action".

Regarding the priority of this year's work, Li underlined the need to focus on high-quality development, strive for economic growth, maintain stability and improve the overall economy in a persistent manner.

Efforts should be made to step up construction of a modern industrial system, further deepen reform and opening-up and effectively prevent and defuse major risks, he said.

Li called for all-out efforts to promote the development of agriculture and rural areas, keep improving ecological conservation and strive to raise the people's sense of fulfillment, happiness and security.

He urged a strengthening of governance capacity, underscoring the importance of maintaining political integrity and a down-to-earth work style.

The premier also called for earnestly following through on the task of institutional reform, adhering to law-based administration, and improving innovation capacity and administrative efficiency.