Vice-premier confident in achieving growth goals

SHANGHAI - Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli said the country's economy is generally stable and the country is expected to reach its economic and social development targets for this year.

The national economy is showing a positive development trend within stable levels, Zhang said during a tour to Shanghai and Zhejiang province between Nov 1 and 4.

The Chinese government set an economic growth target of 7.5 percent for 2013.

Growth rebounded to 7.8 percent in the third quarter of this year, from 7.5 percent in the second quarter and 7.7 percent in the first quarter.

However, Zhang said the foundation of the recovery is not solid and efforts should be taken to guard against risks.

Zhang called for more efforts to be taken to foster the sustainable development of the private economy, an important force in driving growth, promote economic restructuring, advance reforms and boost employment.

He urged local governments and authorities to accelerate the transformation of government functions and create an open and fair market environment for the private sector.

Zhang said the country's eastern regions, which are at the country's forefront in its opening up and reform drive, should play a leading role in rebalancing the economy, eliminating excessive production capacity and improving the quality and efficiency of economic growth.

He also demanded efforts be made to encourage the technological innovation of enterprises, curb environmental pollution, improve people's livelihood and better implement the policies set for the Shanghai free trade zone.