China lowers GDP growth to 7% with deepening reforms
中國GDP增長預期下調至7%

China will continue to lower its GDP growth rate to around 7 percent in 2015. It's also trying to keep economic growth while adapting to the new normal of slower speed and higher quality. That's the message from Premier Li Keqiang, outlining the government’s agenda for the upcoming year, at the opening session of the National People’s Congress.

To protect and to serve. 3000 lawmakers come from all over China , for their annual session.

This year will see tough adjustment to medium-fast growth. The challenge is to keep growth under the New Normal.

Deputies will review the government’s work report, which will decide China ’s future. As the new leadership enters its third year, the country is under growing pressure to achieve the set goals. This is Premier Li Keqiang’s second work report since taking office. His focus is on reform, with economic transformation as the core.

"The target growth rate of approximately 7% takes into consideration what is needed and what is possible. This target is ... aligned with our goal of finishing building a moderately prosperous society... and is appropriate in terms of the need to grow and upgrade our economy," Premier Li said.

The Premier says the markets are to play a decisive role. This year, reform is even higher on the agenda. Reform means breaking the monopolies and interest groups.

It means speeding up improvements in a market-oriented economy, administrative approval, taxes, investment, financing and social welfare.

The government also promises to improve citizens’ lives, maintain sustainable growth, clean up the environment, and advance social justice.

"We will fully promote the law-based governance of the country, move more swiftly to build an innovative, clean, service-oriented rule of law government," Premier Li said.

China’s political landscape is also undergoing transformation. The government expended tremendous energy in the fight against corruption. This determination has boosted confidence and public support.

But the government still faces widespread discontent over the widening wealth gap. There's also the worsening air quality and other environmental problems.

For the government, it’s about hard choices rather than balance.

"China’s new agenda offers new hopes of a new direction in new reforms. The government promises to clean up the problems deeply associated with the current system. It's a daunting list of economic, political and social challenges. Li Keqiang’s agenda is very ambitious; it’s a test of his will and skills. And the biggest test will be to put it all into real action.