1st LD-Writethru: China seeks opinions on government work report

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang presided over a meeting with experts and business leaders on Monday to seek opinions on the government work report, which will be officially unveiled in March.

The meeting was attended by experts from universities, research and financial institutions, as well as business leaders from diversified sectors, including Internet, information technology and venture capital.

It was not easy for China to realize 7.4 percent economic growth amid a complex situation at home and abroad while progressing in coordinating government-market relations, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation and improving people's livelihood, a statement following the meeting cited analysts as saying.

With some Chinese companies in hard times due to the slowdown, analysts suggested the government put more energy on structural reforms and raise the efficiency of growth by developing high-end industries, such as a modern service sector.

Li said the government must capitalize on both government regulation and market force to make them twin engines for growth.

China should accelerate the upgrading of traditional industries and the growth of emerging sectors and balance growth with restructuring to ensure medium-to-high speed of growth with higher quality, Li added.

The country's macroeconomic policies must become more timely, accurate and well-targeted to keep economy in a proper range, according to the premier.

In 2015, more efforts will be made on deepening reforms of the fiscal and financial systems, boosting the real economy, promoting innovation, improving people's lives and preventing risks.

Li also sought opinions from business leaders, including Li Yanhong, founder and CEO of Baidu; Yang Yuanqing, Lenovo's CEO; and Song Zhiping, chairman of China National Building Materials Group.

"At present, China must promote mass entrepreneurship and innovation to unleash and develop productive forces," Li said.

He urged continued efforts to streamline administration and delegate power to lower levels to create a relaxed and equitable environment for competition.

The meeting was also attended by vice premiers Zhang Gaoli, Liu Yandong, Wang Yang, Ma Kai and state councilors Yang Jing and Wang Yong. Endi