China's new premier presses reforms as "biggest dividend"

BEIJING, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Sunday pledged to deepen comprehensive reforms in the country as the world's second-largest economy is seeking new momentum for development other than its large workforce.

"I've often said reform pays the biggest dividend for China because there is still room for improvement in our socialist market economy," Li told a press conference after the closing of the first session of the 12th National People's Congress.

"There is great space for further unleashing productivity through reform and there is great potential to make sure the benefits of reforms will reach the entire population," said 57-year-old Li as he met the press for the first time as China's premier.

In advancing reforms, Li said the important thing is to take action.

"Talking the talk is not as good as walking the walk. We need to pursue market-oriented reforms," he said.

Li was endorsed as China's seventh premier by the Chinese top legislature on Friday, replacing Wen Jiabao.