Concrete reform helps growth: Premier Li

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday called for concrete implementation of the cabinet's reform policies to support economic growth.

Speaking at an executive meeting of the State Council, the premier said that actual enforcement of central government policies in regions has played an important role in stabilizing growth, boosting reform, restructuring, and improving people's livelihoods.

However, problems exist in some regions, such as redundant administrative approval, inefficient administrative work, and half-hearted reform, the premier said, after hearing reports from inspection teams.

The State Council dispatched eight inspection teams last month to check enforcement work in 16 provinces and dozens of ministries.

As Chinese government operates on five administrative levels (state, province and ministry, municipal, county and township), a policy package may taper off as it passes downward, and the purpose of the inspection is to ensure the policies are not misinterpreted or distorted by local executors.

Li said that the cabinet will continue to simplify administrative approval, open more sectors to private investment, enhance financial support for agriculture and small companies, and speed up key projects such as railways, municipal infrastructure and water projects.

He urged local authorities to adhere to central government policies in boosting trade, and promoting growth in sectors such as environmental protection, energy savings, elder care, health and culture.