Premier Li stresses time-based policy implementation and opening-up

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday called for more efforts to ensure the timeliness of policy implementation in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, and continue to open up to achieve the goals and tasks for economic development this year.

"The pandemic has inflicted an unprecedented impact on the domestic and global economy, but China's economy has entered into a recovery trajectory thanks to the joint efforts in the country. Given the uncertainties in the global situation, we need to continue to keep an eye on the pandemic, fully implement policies supporting businesses, and stimulate market vitality."

Li said while chairing a symposium attended by economists and entrepreneurs to analyze the current economic situation and solicit advice for the economic work at the next stage.

The country will continue to hold on to proactive fiscal policy and prudent monetary policy, enhance the timeliness of policy implementation, and conduct tax and fee reductions with greater strength, said Li.

More inclusive finance will be allocated to small businesses to lower costs, and more benefits will be given to college graduates and migrant workers, Li added.

In addition, the country will continue to optimize the business environment, develop industrial internet, and tap more business forms to promote international cooperation. The country will also need to unleash consumption potential through both outlets and e-commerce platforms, said Li.

(Cover image: The night view of the CBD area in downtown Beijing. /VCG)