China's leaders press on with the 'new normal' as National People's Congress ends

2015-03-16 3

The annual session of China's top legislative body came to a close on Sunday.
One of the key areas of focus this year, the economy: how to push ahead with sweeping reforms… and reach a growth target of 7 percent.
Sohn Jung-in tells us more.


This year's National People's Congress session came to an end Sunday, with the focus on maintaining the policy direction of what the leadership called the "new normal."
Under the conditions, the government aims to balance steady growth in a law-based society, which are the strategic goals President Xi Jinping has stuck to since taking power in 2012.

The economy dominated the agenda as it comes at a time when China is wrestling with a continuing economic slowdown.
Premier Li Keqiang said Beijing was prepared to take action to stimulate the economy and boost market confidence, but warned the country would struggle to meet its annual growth target of "around seven percent" this year.


"... It is true that we have adjusted downward our GDP growth target. But it will by no means be easy for us to meet this target, because China's economic aggregate keeps expanding..."

Lawmakers also put emphasis on deepening reforms and promoting the rule of law.
The session reviewed a draft amendment to the country's Legislation law in which it seeks to set clear limits on administrative power in order to protect public interest.
The top judiciary also vowed greater justice by promoting transparency and sharing information between courts dotted around the country.

Environmental protection was also high on the agenda as the environment ministry vowed comprehensive efforts to implement tougher measures against polluting firms.
Sohn Jung-in, Arirang News.