Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli speaks at the opening ceremony of the China Development Forum (CDF) 2017 in Beijing, capital of China, March 19, 2017. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli said Sunday that China should increase supply-side structural reform to stimulate growth and improve market vitality.

He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of China Development Forum 2017 (CDF) in Beijing.

Zhang highlighted the basic tone of "seeking progress while maintaining stability" and underscored the need for effort to maintain growth, ensure employment and counteract risks from home and abroad.

China will forge ahead with its supply-side reform, cutting steel production capacity by around 50 million tonnes and coal capacity by over 150 million tonnes this year, he said.

The country will prioritize de-stocking unsold houses in third- and fourth-tier cities as it fights speculation in the housing market, said the vice premier.

Key reforms will gain momentum to spur economic growth and market vitality, and the government will continue to cut red-tape to facilitate businesses, he added.

The vice premier also restated China's commitment to better air, water and soil quality through low-carbon development and conservation of ecospace.

Meanwhile, China will remain committed to ensuring innovation drives development forward and will increase efforts to revitalize the real economy, he said.

"The real economy is the foundation of economic growth and we will optimize it," according to Zhang.

China will improve its capabilities in scientific innovation and boost development of strategic emerging sectors and modern manufacturing while transforming traditional industries with new technology and business models, he said.

The government will continue to promote entrepreneurship and the "Internet Plus" plan to meet the diverse needs of the market. Chinese companies will be encouraged to use craftsmanship to establish competitive brands that can stand the test of time, according to Zhang.

China will further reduce costs for enterprises by streamlining administration and pushing forward tax reforms, he said.

Prevention and control of financial risks will be elevated to a higher position on the government's agenda, Zhang pointed out, adding that China will manage risks in bad loans, bond default, property bubbles and Internet finance to avoid systemic financial risks.

The government will also speed up SOE reform, make concrete mixed-ownership reforms in sectors like power, petroleum, railway, civil aviation and telecommunications and open the market wider to private investment, Zhang added.

Speaking of the close and complementary ties between China and the world economy, the vice premier stressed the need to resolutely advance globalization and fight protectionism.

"China is willing to join efforts with the international community to steer the world economy toward strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth," he said.

The country will continue to implement its opening-up strategy and advance the Belt and Road Initiative, he added.

China will host the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in May; a new chapter in win-win cooperation, he said.

More than 20 heads of state and government, over 50 leaders of international organizations, over 100 ministerial-level officials, as well as over 1,200 delegates from various countries and regions will participate in the forum.

The CDF, organized by the Research Development Center of the State Council, is a high-level meeting that gathers leaders from international institutions, academia and companies worldwide. It is usually held after the annual sessions of China's national legislature and political advisory body.

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