Premier Li Qiang Chairs Economic Situation Seminar with Experts and Entrepreneurs, Calls for Confidence in Development

(CNA, Taipei, 13th) Chinese Premier Li Qiang today chaired a seminar with economic experts and entrepreneurs to hear opinions and suggestions on the current economic situation and future economic work. Li Qiang expressed hope that entrepreneurs across the board maintain confidence in development and deeply explore opportunities arising from demand upgrades and industrial transformation.

According to Xinhua News Agency, experts and entrepreneurs including Huang Hanquan, Yang Zhiyong, Wang Wen, Zhang Jun, Hou Qijun, Yu Donglai, Wang Zhijian, and Li Jun delivered remarks at the afternoon meeting. They noted that amid a complex and volatile international environment, China's economy remained generally stable in the first half of the year, effectively countering external uncertainties through the certainty of its own development.

The report also stated that participants offered opinions and suggestions on addressing contradictions and challenges in economic operations.

After listening to the speakers, Li Qiang said that since the beginning of the year, under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China with General Secretary Xi Jinping at its core, regions and departments have earnestly implemented national macroeconomic policies and strived to promote sustained economic improvement.

He stressed the importance of comprehensively and objectively assessing the current economic situation—fully recognizing achievements while remaining clear-eyed about existing problems. New changes and trends in economic operations require careful analysis to maximize benefits and mitigate risks. He emphasized the need to grasp the overall situation, particularly noting that China's economy has fully transitioned onto a path of high-quality development, with increasingly solid foundations supporting long-term positive growth.

Li Qiang emphasized that economic work in the second half of the year is directly linked to achieving annual development goals and ensuring a strong start to the '15th Five-Year Plan' period. In line with the decisions and deployments of the Central Committee, China must maintain strategic resolve for high-quality development, intensify counter-cyclical adjustments, systematically unleash domestic demand potential, ensure a smooth transition between old and new growth drivers, thoroughly advance employment and enterprise stability, and consolidate the positive momentum of steady economic improvement.

Li Qiang urged entrepreneurs to remain confident in development, deeply explore opportunities in demand and industrial upgrading, and contribute to employment stability and economic growth. He also encouraged scholars and experts to strengthen forward-looking research and offer constructive recommendations. (Edited by Lu Chia-jung / Chu Chien-ling) 1150713