Chinese Premier Li Keqiang tells provinces to ‘step up’ aid for coronavirus-hit economy
- New coronavirus outbreaks and changes in the international environment have weakened the economy, says Premier Li Keqiang
- Li called on provincial leaders to fast track support policies to shore up growth, adding there was policy room to tackle new headwinds
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has told provincial governors to front-load support measures to stabilise growth and employment in a sign that Beijing is urgently stepping up efforts to save its faltering economy ahead of a landmark political meeting this year.
Local authorities should implement new policies by the end of May to shore up growth, Li said during a visit to the southwest border province of Yunnan on Wednesday, according to a report from the official Xinhua News Agency.
“Under the influence of new coronavirus outbreaks and changes in the international situation, among other unexpected factors, some economic indicators have weakened significantly since March, especially in April,” Li told leaders from Yunnan and 11 other provinces – including the top 10 in terms of economic output – who joined the symposium via video link.
“All localities and departments should step up their sense of urgency, and new measures that can be used should be used,” he added.
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