李克强总理:政府将简政放权提振市场

The state of the Chinese economy dominated the Q&A session when Premier Li Keqiang met the press after the annual NPC session.

This year's GDP growth target has been set to around 7 percent. Last year the country registered the lowest rate of growth since 1990.

The premier admitted the downward pressure and risks facing the economy, but stressed that the government has ample room for policy adjustments.

"In the past couple of years we did not resort to massive stimulus measures for economic growth. And that makes it possible for us to make fairly ample room to exercise macro-economic policies. And we still have a host of policy instruments at our disposal."

Premier Li said one key way to prop up the downward pressure is to press ahead with streamlining the government administration and delegate more powers to local authorities in order to further vitalize the market.

But he also cautioned that such a move is by no means easy.

"This is a reform the government has taken on itself and during the course vested interests will be upset. This is not nail clipping, it's like taking a knife to one's own flesh."

At the same time, Premier Li stressed that restraining the power exercised by public authorities is essential to clean up the breeding grounds for corruption. This is one of the central themes of this year's political sessions.

He also warned sloppy officials who failed to carry out their duties efficiently should be dealt with.

"Officials must be punished for acting irresponsibly. At the same time they will also be held responsible for inaction. There is no room for incompetence or indolence. We also need to improve the accountability system."

On fighting pollution, Premier Li said the focus for this year is to fully implement the newly-revised Environmental Protection Law, that promises to make polluters pay a heavy price for their illegal acts.

"The law must work as a powerful, effective tool to control pollution instead of being 'as soft as cotton candy.'"

One foreign policy question was raised concerning this year's 70th anniversary celebration of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. In response, Premier Li urged Japanese leaders to face history squarely.

"Should Japanese leaders correct their stance on history and maintain it that way, there would be new opportunities for China and Japan to improve their relations. As a result, that would lay a firm foundation for the development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation."

The premier also answered questions on the real estate market, financial risks, the easing of China's one-child policy, Hong Kong's political reforms as well as Ukraine and Myanmar.

For CRI, I'm Qi Zhi.