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Chinese Premier Li Qiang steps up prep for maiden work report that could seek to restore private-sector confidence

  • China’s No 2 official has solicited opinions on his maiden annual work report, including for macroeconomic management and scientific breakthroughs
  • Premier Li also received a 200-strong Japanese business delegation in Beijing on Thursday as China aims to boost foreign investor confidence

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Premier Li Qiang solicited opinions on the drafting of the annual work report from minor political parties and the semi-official All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce on Wednesday. Photo: Xinhua
Frank Chenin Shanghai

Premier Li Qiang could further promote the significance of the private sector during his maiden government work report in March, analysts said after China’s No 2 official stepped up preparations for the highly anticipated address by urging steely confidence, as well as a clear-eyed understanding of the risks and complexities that lie ahead.

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Li is set to address the annual legislative session of the National People’s Congress in early March, and he will review the government’s accomplishments over the last year while giving general guidance on the social and economic policy direction for 2024.

It will also include a suite of targets for China’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth, inflation and fiscal deficit ratio.

The world’s second-largest economy is widely expected to again aim to achieve GDP growth of around 5 per cent for this year, after having posted 5.2 per cent year-on-year growth in 2023.

During a symposium on Wednesday to solicit opinions on the drafting of the annual work report, Li and Executive Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang heard policy recommendations from minor political parties and the semi-official All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce.

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