Premier Li Keqiang meets the press after closing the fifth session of the 13th National People's Congress on March 11. (Photo / Xinhua)

Premier Li Keqiang met the press on Friday morning after closing the fifth session of the 13th National People's Congress.

The premier took questions from Chinese and foreign reporters via video link.

Here are the highlights:

On macroeconomy

• 5.5 percent growth target reflects steady progress, high-quality growth

• Current development plans based on long-term view

• China to increase government spending for stable growth

Premier Li Keqiang meets the press after closing the fifth session of the 13th National People's Congress on March 11. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

On Ukraine conflict

• China, concerned about the Ukraine situation, committed to an independent foreign policy of peace

• China supports all attempts at peace, urges de-escalation

• China is willing to work with the international community to play a positive role in the early return of peace in Ukraine

• China to continue providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine

Premier Li Keqiang (center) meets the press after closing the fifth session of the 13th National People's Congress on March 11. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

On financial policy

• Fee and tax reduction is the most direct, fair, and effective measure to help businesses

• Li highlights 2.5 trillion yuan in tax cuts and refunds

• China will give priority to small and micro enterprises in its tax rebates to help them navigate difficulties

• Central government's transfer payments to local governments will reach 9.8 trillion yuan this year

On Hong Kong

• The central government fully supports Hong Kong in fighting the COVID-19 outbreak

• Central authorities understand and support the HKSAR government's decision to delay the chief executive election

On employment

• China aims to create more than 11 million new urban jobs this year

• Li stresses market approaches to creating jobs amid a record number of urban job seekers

On COVID-19

• China's anti-COVID-19 policy to continue to be based on science and the actual situation

Premier Li Keqiang meets the press after closing the fifth session of the 13th National People's Congress on March 11. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

On business environment

• China streamlines administration, delegates power to improve the business environment

• 150 million market entities in China, mostly privately held

On China-US relations

• China and the US should continue a dialogue

• China-US cooperation is mutually beneficial also benefits the world

• China and the US should cooperate to tackle global challenges

• China and the US economic competition should be healthy, fair

On Taiwan

• Mainland committed to One-China principle, 1992 Consensus, and national reunification

Premier Li Keqiang meets the press after closing the fifth session of the 13th National People's Congress on March 11. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

On government work

• COVID-19 and economic impact largest challenge for the Chinese government, which has responded in full force

• The government has focused on stable economic growth, meeting people's needs

On people's livelihoods

• Increases in incomes and GDP are basically in step

• The purpose of economic growth is always to ensure and improve livelihoods

• China to scale up support for compulsory education in rural, remote areas

On common prosperity

• Common prosperity needs common effort. China committed to opening up to the world

• Chinese economy deeply integrated with the world, still offers great investment potential

• China will ensure Chinese foreign companies to compete on fair, equal footing

• China will unswervingly expand opening-up regardless of changes in the international situation