Minister: China achieves all-round development in 2017

He Lifeng, minister of the National Development and Reform Commission, answers questions at a news conference of the first session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2018. [Photo/China Daily by Wang Zhuangfei]

China achieved steady growth, advanced reforms, made structural adjustments, improved living standards and guarded against risks in 2017, said top Chinese official on Tuesday in Beijing.

He Lifeng, minister of the National Development and Reform Commission, made the remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the ongoing annual session of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

Top economic planner says fully confident in 6.5% annual growth

He expressed confidence in achieving the 6.5 percent annual growth target as domestic consumption is expected to become a larger force driving economic development.

The 6.5 percent growth target set in this year's government work report is "attainable" through hard works, said He, citing China's economic momentum, resilience, sustainability and market potential.

With further development in emerging industries and the modern service sector, consumption is likely to contribute around 60 percent to economic growth in 2018.

In 2017, consumption contributed 58.8 percent to growth, nearly four percentage points higher than five years ago.

Investment will contribute one third to this year's growth as China will also push forward investment, especially on the real economy.

For foreign trade, He said it will grow steadily and drive 8 to 9 percent of growth as long as the world economy keeps a stable growth.

Through efforts like hosting the first China International Import Expo this year, China is determined to open wider to the world and increase consumption of its fast-growing middle-income group, he said.

He also expected further progress in the supply-side structural reform on basis of sound achievements in tasks like capacity reduction. Industries including plate glass, cement and electrolytic aluminum will be target of the country's next stage of capacity cuts.

The country's economy expanded 6.9 percent year-on-year in 2017, picking up for the first time in seven years and well above the government target of around 6.5 percent.