Xi urges more market reforms for China

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, is calling for more market reforms, to face China's economicchallenges.

He made the remarks at a meeting in southern Guangdong Province.

Xi attended the meeting on Sunday with local government officials and entrepreneurs.

After listening to their opinions about current economic performance, Xi urged local departments to push through more market reforms, as well as improve the government's involvement and boost law enforcement.

He said local governments can promote healthy economic growth with both confidence, as well as an awareness of their risks.

Xi also urged faster more investment in innovation-led industries, like technology and science.

China's economy grew 7.4 percent in the third quarter - slowing for the seventh, straight quarter.

But official data show recovering industrial activity and retail sales in recent months.

But trade still remains weak, as external demand has slumped.