Chinese premier to speak at WEF annual meeting

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will discuss the world economy and explain China's economic situation at the 45th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), an official said on Friday.

Premier Li will share his views on addressing the current global economic situation for strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive global growth, vice foreign minister Li Baodong said at a briefing on the forthcoming WEF meeting.

According to Li Baodong, Premier Li will deliver a speech at the meeting and meet representatives of the International Business Council in Davos. The premier will also meet individually with Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the WEF.

The premier will explain China's economic situation to boost the international community's confidence in the prospect of Chinese economy and that of other emerging economies, as well as their understanding of China's reform and opening up, said the vice foreign minister.

Premier Li will also explain the Chinese economy's "new normal" during the meeting, according to the vice foreign minister.

The world's second-largest economy has transitioned from miraculous growth to a "new normal" of slower, yet more sustainable growth. The new normal emphasizes that a manageable slowdown is not a big danger, but a lack of reforms could be fatal for long-term development.

It will be the first time for a Chinese leader to attend a WEF Annual Meeting in Davos in five years. Li Keqiang attended the 2010 annual meeting as vice premier.

The WEF meeting scheduled from Jan. 21 to 24 in Davos, Switzerland will explore solutions to major world challenges under the theme "The New Global Context."

Over 2,500 participants from more than 140 countries representing business, government, international organizations, academia, civil society and the media are expected to participate in this year's annual gathering.

According to the WEF, over 40 heads of state and governments are expected to attend the four-day meeting featuring 280 sessions and workshops.