Chinese premier stresses resilience in symposium with business leaders
Li Qiang says ‘broader perspective’ necessary to keep confidence high amid trade tensions with US, preparation for major political conclave
Premier Li Qiang called on China’s companies to be resilient and reiterated a pledge to achieve the country’s annual economic goals at a symposium with business leaders, academics and other experts on Tuesday.
“To accurately understand the current economic situation, one must take a broader perspective … [it is necessary to] further strengthen confidence, face problems squarely and stay firmly committed to doing our work well,” Li was quoted as saying by state news agency Xinhua.
Per Xinhua, the entrepreneurs and other symposium attendees struck an upbeat tone in their comments, saying that China’s economy has held up under pressure and “favourable factors are continuing to accumulate” despite difficulties.
Representatives from several business fields spoke at the meeting – including Ye Guofu, founder and CEO of retail giant Miniso – as well as academics like Xu Qiyuan, deputy director of the Institute of American Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
The symposium was one of several events high-level officials have held this year to shore up confidence among China’s business community as challenges persist at home and abroad.