China also targets an annual increase in the consumer price index of around 2 percent, he added.

　　Noting that China faces formidable tasks in economic and social development, Li said the country should focus on major priorities and key links and strive to deliver a good performance in several areas, including vigorously boosting consumption, accelerating the development of a modernized industrial system, accelerating the implementation of landmark reform measures, expanding high-standard opening up, and stabilizing foreign trade and investment.

　　At Wednesday's meeting, lawmakers reviewed a report from the State Council on the implementation of the 2024 plan for national economic and social development and on the 2025 draft plan, as well as the draft plan for national economic and social development in 2025.

　　They also reviewed a report from the State Council on the execution of the central and local budgets for 2024 and on the draft central and local budgets for 2025, as well as the draft central and local budgets for 2025.

　　Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, explained a draft amendment to the Law on Deputies to the National People's Congress and to the Local People's Congresses at Various Levels.

　　The law amendment is necessary for developing whole-process people's democracy and ensuring that people's congresses and their standing committees at all levels maintain close ties with the people, according to the explanation.■

　　Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivers a government work report at the opening meeting of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)