Li calls for greater strides on opening up

Businesspeople from the Netherlands attend the International E-Business Expo in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. (Photo by Li Zhong/For China Daily)

Nation will seek further alignment with global regulations, says premier

Premier Li Keqiang pledged on Wednesday greater strides in opening up at the institutional level to implement higher standards of rules in trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, as well as the protection of intellectual property rights.

Speaking during a national teleconference on streamlining administration and bolstering compliance oversight and services in Beijing, Li said China will seek further alignment with international rules and seize opportunities from its participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in a bid to open up wider to the world.

He highlighted the need to continue to carry out effective macro policies in fiscal policies, finance and employment to carry forward reform in order to cut red tape.

It is important to help market players further restore their vitality, harness the momentum of economic growth and maintain major economic indicators within a proper range, he said.

He noted that the growth of market players has become the pillar for the job market and the source of job creation, adding that the government will continue to focus its efforts on solving problems troubling businesses.

The priority is to further empower market players through streamlined administration in order to reduce improper government interference, step up oversight, promote fair competition and improve public services, he said.

To develop a business environment that is in line with market principles, the rule of law and international standards, Li stressed the need to further reform administrative approvals in order to overcome unreasonable barriers that constrain the growth of businesses.

The government must make it easier for businesses in terms of market access and their withdrawal from the market, innovate and improve market regulation and level the playing field for various market players, he added.

He reiterated the need to fight monopolies and unfair competition, saying that the legitimate interests and room for development of various market players such as smaller firms and the self-employed must be protected.

In improving administrative services, Li said it is important to employ institutional and technological methods to enable market players to access government services without having to resort to help from others.

The premier also underlined the significance of establishing and improving the legal framework regarding the business environment, refining the property rights protection mechanism and conducting law enforcement in a just and civilized manner.