Encouraging reading to feature gov't work report again in 2016: Chinese premier

BEIJING, March 15 -- Premier Li Keqiang on Sunday called on the Chinese people to read more and promised that the policy of encouraging reading will again be part of next year's government work report.

"Reading is what I enjoy the most in my spare time. It makes me feel wealthy, and it has been the most rewarding experience in my life," he told reporters after the conclusion of the annual legislative session.

It is worrisome, however, that the average per capita amount of reading in China is only one-tenth of that of some other countries in the world, Li said.

"I hope that our people could foster a love of reading, and our people's amount of reading could rise. It is a very important symbol of further cultural and social progress."

Reading can not only unlock potential for innovation, but also enhance civic morality, he said, adding that encouraging reading will be part of next year's government work report again after featuring it for two consecutive years.

This year's government work report, which Li delivered to national lawmakers on March 5, said China will "ensure that more outstanding works of literature and art are created for the people to enjoy, and encourage a love of reading in all people to build a nation of avid readers."