CHINA’S sound economic fundamentals have not changed and the government will put more focus on structural reforms this year, China’s Premier Li Keqiang was quoted yesterday as saying on the eve of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

    The Xinhua news agency quoted Li as saying that the government will maintain macro-policies appropriate, as China’s economy faces a complex environment this year.

    Data showed Tuesday that China’s economy grew at its slowest pace in 24 years in 2014 as property prices cooled and companies and local governments struggled under heavy debt burdens, keeping pressure on the Chinese Government to roll out more support measures to avoid a sharper downturn.

    Li said that the improvement of the quality and efficiency of the Chinese economy and its upgrading make important contributions to maintaining the stability and healthy development of the world economy and finance.

    Li voiced this opinion during a meeting with Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the WEF on Tuesday.

    WEF has a significant influence on the international economy and the WEF annual meeting held in Davos every winter always draws world attention, Li said, adding that this year’s theme, “New Global Context,” is closely linked to the development of the international situation, with a clear goal to explore the challenges and opportunities facing mankind.

    The premier stressed that China maintains a positive momentum in economic development amid complex domestic and international situations and will continue to implement a proactive fiscal policy and prudent monetary policy, which will neither be loose nor tight, with more emphasis on structural reforms.

    The Chinese economy is moving toward a stage featuring more advanced forms, more complex division of labor, and more reasonableness in structures, he said.

    The improvement of the quality and efficiency of the Chinese economy and its upgrading not only lay a good foundation for its future development, but also make important contributions to maintaining the stability and healthy development of the world economy and finance, he said.

    China is ready to deepen cooperation with WEF and hopes the forum will continue to play an active role in promoting the understanding between China and the international community, Li added.

    China’s role has become increasingly important in the international political and economic system, Schwab said, adding that WEF is willing to expand cooperation with China and support China to play a more important role in the international arena.

    Li is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the annual meeting, meet representatives of the International Business Council of the forum and hold talks with President of the Swiss Confederation Simonetta Sommaruga.(SD-Agencies)