BEIJING — China will continue to support the important role that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) plays in poverty reduction in the Asia Pacific region, Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli said on May 25.

Zhang made the remarks as he met with a delegation from the ADB board of directors in Zhongnanhai, the headquarters of the Chinese government.

Zhang said China has conducted effective cooperation with the ADB over the years. He said he hopes the ADB will lend even more support to China’s major development strategies by focusing on reform, development and poverty relief through loan projects.

Zhang said China is still a developing country that regards development as the key and basis for resolving various problems. He said the Chinese government will adapt to and lead the economy’s “new normal” through measures to deepen reform, enhance innovation-driven growth and optimize the economic structure.

The Chinese government will promote social and economic growth with better quality, higher efficiency, greater tolerance and stronger sustainability, the vice-premier said.

The ADB directors expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation with China by providing support for social and economic development and reform.