"Chinese dream" highlighted as parliamentary session concludes (3)

PREMIER PROMISES REFORM

During the session, lawmakers endorsed Li Keqiang as premier, as well as endorsed a cabinet of four vice premiers, five state councilors and 25 ministers.

It also adopted a restructuring plan that reduces the number of ministries under the State Council from 27 to 25, with the dismantling of the bulky Ministry of Railways and mergers among several other government departments.

Shortly after the session closed, Li made his debut as the premier in front of global press, promising to press ahead with comprehensive reforms, as the country is seeking new momentum for development that does not depend on a large labor force.

"However deep the water may be, we will wade into it because we have no alternative," Li said.

In pushing forward reform, the new premier called for "courage, wisdom and tenacity" that policymakers can absorb from the people to make solid progress and pursue comprehensive reforms that cover all sectors.

He outlined key tasks and priorities in driving the reform forward, including those areas for reform that will make immediate and sustained impact.

Li vowed to accelerate economic transformation, make full use of fiscal, financial and pricing and other policy instruments, and pursue reforms of the budgetary system to make it more open, transparent, standardized and inclusive.

To improve people's well-being, Li noted, the government needs to reform the income distribution system and narrow the gap between urban and rural areas that involves 800 million rural residents and over 500 million urban residents, as well as bridge the gap between different regions.

"In advancing reform, the important thing is to take action," he said, "Talking the talk is not as good as walking the walk."