Premier reiterates commitment to reform, opening-up

Premier Li Qiang reiterated China's steadfast commitment to deepening reform and opening-up and said the first priority of the new government's work is to establish a people-centered approach.

He made the remarks when taking questions from reporters at a news conference on Monday morning after the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, closed its first session.

Li said the task of the new government is to turn the inspiring blueprint drawn up at the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China into an implementation scheme and work with the Chinese people to turn this blueprint into a beautiful reality step by step.

The ultimate purpose of the Party and the government is to improve people's well-being, Li said, adding that the government must always plan and carry out its work in light of what the people feel and act to meet people's aspirations.

"Honestly speaking, most people do not keep their eyes on GDP growth all the time. What they care more about are things that concern their everyday life such as housing, employment, income, education, medical services and ecological environment," Li said.

He also stressed the importance of focusing efforts in promoting high-quality development, saying that China's development is still imbalanced and inadequate.

"In particular, we will enhance our capacity in scientific and technological innovation, accelerating the building of the modern market system and advancing transition towards green development," Li said.