Regional FTA talks likely to complete this year: Li

By Zheng Yangpeng (chinadaily.com.cn) Updated: 2016-03-24 11:43

Premier Li Keqiang delivers a keynot speech during the opening ceremony at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference, Boao, Hainan province, March 24, 2016. [Photo / Xinhua]

No foundation for the yuan's long-term decline, says Li

Premier Li Keqiang said at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference on Thursday that there's no foundation for a long-term decline in the value of the yuan.

"The renminbi will stabilize at a reasonable level, and China is a responsible world power," said the premier.

Such stress comes as markets are concerned about the yuan's slump as a way to boost exports.

The country's fundamentals have ruled out the possibility of a long-term depreciation, the premier stated at the forum.

The 2016 Boao Forum for Asia is held in South China's Hainan province from Mar 22 to 25. The annual conference aims to open the floor to discuss Asia's New Future, New Dynamics, and New Vision.

Premier calls on Asian countries to be good neighbors

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Thursday that Asian countries should keep peace and stability in the region and work together to maintain Asia as the key driver for the world economy.

One important reason why Asia had achieved a rapid growth over the past decades is that the region kept a generally peaceful and stable environment, Li said when addressing the opening ceremony of the 2016 Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in Hainan province.

Dialogue and cooperation is the golden key, the premier said.

He stressed that, inspired by history and experiences after the WWII, Asian countries should be good neighbors and friends and not be disturbed by minor frictions and contradictions, no matter what stage of development they are in.

Citing views that the Asian economy is in a difficult situation, Li called for coordination and united efforts to overcome difficulties.

This year's meeting in Boao, Hainan, from March 22 to 25, is themed "Asia's New Future: New Dynamics and New Vision." More than 2,000 participants from over 60 countries and regions attend the forum. The event features discussions on the macro-economy, politics, entrepreneurship, innovation, the Internet, public well-being and culture.