BEIJING -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday stressed enhancing confidence, meeting challenges head-on, and ensuring sustained and healthy economic and social development.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when joining lawmakers from Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region in a group deliberation on the government work report at the ongoing fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress, the national legislature.

Efforts should be made to coordinate COVID-19 response and economic and social development as domestic and international situations are still grave this year, Li said.

He called for an accurate understanding of the new development stage, full application of the new development philosophy, and creation of the new development paradigm to promote high-quality development and keep the economic operation within an appropriate range.

The premier stressed efforts to deepen reform, further energize market entities, unleash potential of domestic demand, and advance high-level opening-up.

He also urged actions in promoting green development, consolidating poverty alleviation results and advancing rural vitalization.