China's economy stable and sound in first half of 2019: premier

Premier Li Keqiang Tuesday said China's economy maintained stable performance with improving momentum for growth in the first half of this year.

A view of the Port of Qingdao. [File photo: IC]

Addressing the opening ceremony of the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2019, also known as the Summer Davos Forum, in the city of Dalian, Li said main economic indicators of the period were kept within an appropriate range and met expectations.

The surveyed urban unemployment rate in May stood at a relatively low level of around 5 percent, and the first five months saw 18,900 enterprises established every day, the premier said.

Meanwhile, Li noted that China's economy faced new downward pressures and increasing external uncertainties, but said the country had anticipated and made full preparations for this year's complex and serious situation.

With a huge market, abundant human resources, a complete industrial cluster and fast-growing new engines, China's economy has sufficient resilience, potential and room to maneuver, he said.