Premier puts the people's interests first in reform

China will spare no efforts in searching for the missing MH 370 flight as human life is the top concern, Premier Li Keqiang said at a press conference on March 13 after the conclusion of the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC).

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang speaks at a press conference after the closing meeting of the second annual session of China's 12th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 13, 2014.[Photo/China.org.cn]

"We will not give up even the smallest trace of hope and will enhance cooperation with other countries," said Li Keqiang.

In the face of the even grimmer challenges amid the country's ongoing reform and opening up, Li said China's focus is to allow the people to benefit and maintain peace and stability in China's neighboring and international environment.

When asked by Reuters reporter what the biggest challenge is in China's economic reform, Li said that it was downward pressure.

GDP growth hit a 14-year low of 7.7 percent in 2013. Meanwhile, the massive number of job seekers and lingering smog both require the country to change its development model.

"There was a money squeeze last year in the inter-bank lending rate and slumps in some key indicators. Some said that there would be a hard landing in the Chinese economy," Li said.

"This year there are greater challenges -- maintaining growth and employment, controlling inflation and environmental protection."

To cope with the increasing challenges, Li said reform needs to be deepened further. According to him, the government will focus on increasing the vitality of the market and the creativity of society. It will continue delegating power and deliberate new tax reduction measures for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

"We are most concerned about employment, increasing incomes, and the people's livelihood. We are not just looking for GDP growth, but growth that can benefit the people and contribute to environmental protection," he said.