Li: China confident in meeting economic targets

He vowed China will accelerate its shift in growth model, intensify economic restructuring, and upgrade the national economy. He said employment will be taken as the basis of people's livelihood, while the government will step up efforts to develop social undertakings, such as education, medical care, public health and cultural projects, so as to ensure that the achievements of development benefit all the people in a more effective way.

According to Li, China will build a clean and law-based government, so that all members of society can access fair opportunities and a level playing field, and achieve the success that they deserve through their own efforts.

When it comes to Hong Kong and Macao, the premier reiterated that the central government will adhere to the principle of "one country, two systems," strictly follow the Basic Law and ensure long-term prosperity and stability in these regions.

"We will continue to promote peaceful development of cross-Straits relations for the benefit of people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits," Li went on.

He added that China will stay firm on the path of peaceful development, and uphold the principle of mutual benefit in international cooperation.

"China stands ready to share development opportunities with other countries and work in concert with them to tackle challenges, maintain world peace and regional stability, and create an even brighter future for mankind," the premier said.

Li also met with some new foreign ambassadors to China before the reception, and pledged to further bilateral ties with those countries.