Zhao Chenxin, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission

The annual economic growth target of around 5 percent can be understood in three aspects:

First, China is still a developing country, and development is the top priority. The country needs to maintain long-term economic growth on the basis of improving the quality and efficiency of development.

Second, the target of around 5 percent is in line with the trend of economic performance and the law of economic development. It will help guide all sectors to pay more attention to improving the quality and efficiency of economic development, accelerating the establishment of a new development pattern and promoting high-quality development.

Third, with strong confidence and momentum, all regions have set their own economic growth targets for this year. Confidence in development and practical measures taken by all localities have laid the foundation for the realization of the national target.