Premier Li Keqiang expressed his great respect for the working class whose labor has contributed to China’s economic and social development, and gave an analysis of China’s current economic situation at the 17th National Congress of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) on Oct 24.

According to Premier Li, in the first three quarters, China’s economy still grew fast on its original good grades, and stood at the frontline of the world’s major economies, with newly-added urban employment reaching 11.07 million and commodity quantity indicators, such as electric power use and cargo volume, growing accordingly.

Premier Li said the consumption and service sector increasingly contributed more support for China’s development. New driver engines, such as new technology, industries and business models, also grew stronger, and market vitality continues with daily new registered enterprises that surpassed 18,000 units.

Against the complex and changing situations at home and abroad, China still saw its development in stable employment, increased income and stabilized commodity prices, and the economic structure continued to be optimized, he said.

However, development difficulties and outside risks and challenges are increasing, and there are still economic concerns and downward pressures, causing operational difficulties for enterprises and affecting market expectations and confidence, Premier Li said.

Although China’s development is flexible, great attention still should be attached to the difficulties and challenges, the Premier said, adding that China’s economic work should stick to deepening reform, expanding opening-up and promoting innovation to improve the business environment.

To better improve people’s livelihoods, keep the economy running within a reasonable range and advance economic high-quality development, the Premier urged more efforts on simplifying administration, lowering taxes and fees, inspiring the vitality of market players, uncovering domestic demands and taking targeted measures to solve difficulties in the real economy.

China has the biggest human resources in the world, which serves as a huge potential and advantage for development, Premier Li said. With the increase of a quality workforce and high-skilled talents, their enthusiasm and creativity should be fully mobilized.

Legitimate rights of employees should be guaranteed, Premier Li stressed. Keeping employment stable should be prioritized, with emphasis on vulnerable groups and employees of enterprises with financial difficulties. Workers’ incomes should be increased, while their safety should be safeguarded.

As a bridge between employees and the Party, trade union organizations should safeguard the authority of the CPC Central Committee with General Secretary Xi Jinping as the core, stick to socialism with Chinese characteristics, and serve employees with full hearts, the Premier said.

Governments at all levels should offer strong support for trade unions’ work, he added.

Wang Dongming, chairman of the ACFTU, presided over the meeting with the attendance of State Councilor Xiao Jie and about 3,000 representatives of the ACFTU’s 17th National Congress.