BEIJING — Premier Li Keqiang has demanded a high level of opening up and innovation to bolster economic growth.

The promotion of reform, opening up and innovation can help China combat downward pressure on the economy, Premier Li said during a three-day visit to the cities of Xiamen, Quanzhou and Fuzhou of southeast China’s Fujian province.

China has launched three new free trade zones (FTZ) in Tianjin, Guangdong and Fujian, 18 months after the first FTZ opened in Shanghai.

“China’s economy is resilient,” he said. “Through targeted control and keeping the growth within a range, China can develop during structural changes.”

“The FTZ should foster the world’s best business environment, setting an example for the whole country in pushing reform and opening up and promoting quality growth,” he said.

The Premier demanded that innovation, entrepreneurship and streamlining of administration continue.

China should press ahead with its strategy of “going global” and “bringing in”. International cooperation will help China achieve medium high growth and elevate its economy to a medium-high level, he said.

Entrepreneurs from Taiwan were advised by Li to make the most business opportunities as more beneficial policies are on the way, alongside the old preferential policies.

During the visit to a branch of the Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. in Fuzhou, he urged financial institutions to come up with more innovative and streamlined approaches to meet the needs of the real economy.

He encouraged students to read while touring Xiamen University, both books that provide cutting-edge knowledge and classics that can cultivate the mind.

The Premier also asked for substandard accommodation to be renovated well and for the protection of traditional culture in the modernization of cities.