China’s new premier presses reforms as "biggest dividend"

March 17, 2013 | Business | Written by

Beijing, Mar 17 (Xinhua-ANI): Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Sunday pledged to deepen comprehensive reforms in the country as the world’s second-largest economy is seeking new momentum for development other than its large workforce.

“However deep the water may be, we will wade into it because we have no alternative,” Li told a press conference after the closing of the first session of the 12th National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, noting reform concerns the destiny of the country and the future of the nation.

Known for calling reform “the biggest dividend for China,” Li explained that he sees great room for improvement in the country’s socialist market economy.

Keqiang also said that he is willing to accept supervision from the society and media on clean governance.

If one takes public office, he or she should cut off any expectation for getting rich, Li said.

Pursuing government office and making money have been ‘two separate lanes’ since the ancient times. Only by being upright one himself, can he then asks others to be upright,” the new premier quoted a Chinese adage as saying.

“We are willing to accept supervision from the whole society and media,” he said.

Li urged a battle against corruption, which he described as “incompatible to reputation of the government, like fire to water.”

He said a sound mechanism will be established to ensure that officials dare not and are unable to practise corruption and those corrupt will be punished by the law.

The premier also promised to win trust from the people and bring benefits to them by practising frugality in government spending.

“Within my tenure, the government will not use public coffer to construct new offices, halls or guest houses for the government use,” Li said.

The central government will set an example and governments at all levels must follow suit, he said.

In pushing forward reform, the new premier called for “courage, wisdom and tenacity” that policymakers can absorb from the people to make solid progress and pursue comprehensive reforms that cover all sectors.

“In advancing reform, the important thing is to take action,” he said, adding “talking the talk is not as good as walking the walk.” (ANI)