Xi calls for deepened economic reforms

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has called for deepened reforms to address the country’s economic problems during a meeting with the bosses of state-owned firms, private entrepreneurs and overseas investors, reports the South China Morning Post. “We must resolutely eliminate the ideological concepts and institutional shortcomings that hinder the advancement of Chinese-style modernisation,” Xi told the meeting in Jinan, during a visit to the eastern province of Shandong on Thursday.

“We must pursue an approach that is both goal- and problem-oriented to solve problems … focus on deep-seated institutional obstacles and structural issues,” he said.

It was the most pro-business message delivered so far by the top Chinese leadership ahead of a key Communist Party meeting in July—the Third Plenum—when the country’s leaders are expected to map out new reform agendas and set the course for future growth.