New Chinese Premier Li Qiang firmly supports reform and opening up

Chinese Premier Li Qiang speaks at a press conference after the closing session of the National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing (China)

Mr. Li Qiang was elected as Chinese premier in the National People's Congress vote on March 11.

One of Mr. Li's most important tasks is to address the economic challenge as China reopens after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Observers focus a lot on Mr. Ly because he is considered a business-friendly figure who has contributed to many economic achievements and foreign investment.

The press conference on the morning of March 13 at the Great Hall of the People (Beijing, China) was the first time he answered the press in his new position.

The new Chinese premier took questions from domestic and foreign reporters. The economy was the main topic.

Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Li affirmed that China "stands firm in reform and opening up."

The new prime minister also warned that it would not be easy for China to achieve the 5% economic growth target it set this year.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Li said that China's economy has shown signs of stability in the past two months. But he also admitted that China is facing many difficulties.

Another challenge to China’s economic development is its population. In January, China released data showing that its population will decline by 850,000 people in 2022, the first decline since 1961.

At the press conference, Mr. Li also answered questions about the impact of population decline on the economy. The new Chinese premier noted that every year, 15 million people join the labor force, and this abundant human resource creates strength for the economy.

Today, there are about 240 million highly educated people, according to Mr. Li. “China’s demographic advantage has not disappeared, and its talent advantage is increasing,” he said.

Defending the anti-COVID-19 viewpoint

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the economic picture of China and the world. China has adopted drastic anti-epidemic measures (zero-COVID), and created controversy.

However, Mr. Li affirmed that the zero-COVID campaign was completely correct. He called it a "great and decisive victory" in dealing with the pandemic, in which the Chinese government "always put the people and the people's lives above all else."

According to Tuoi Tre