It won’t be easy for China to grow its economy by around 7 percent this year as targeted by the government, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on March 15, but authorities will do what they can to ensure growth stays within a reasonable range.

Li said the government will loosen policies, if needed, in a targeted manner to prevent the economy from slowing too much, or avoid a sharp decline in employment.

-- Reuters

China’s national legislature has endorsed government plans to reduce the country’s annual economic growth target from 7.5 to 7 percent before closing an annual session that also focused on maintaining employment levels, fighting corruption and curbing pollution.

The National People’s Congress voted 2,852-to-18 in favor of the government work report that was delivered at the start of the 11-day session by Premier Li Keqiang. The Premier held his only scheduled news conference of the year on March 15.

-- AP

China faces financial dangers as its economy cools but authorities can prevent systemic risks, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on March 15.

-- Reuters