Investing.com - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday said there was improvement in the economy but that more "forceful measures" are needed to boost growth.
In a speech urging the bureaucracy to effectively implement central government policy, Li warned that investment activity is moderating and that the trade sector is under "big pressure" owing to weak global conditions.
"We must take more forceful measures to consolidate the improvement trend and withstand downwards pressure," he said, adding that his administration is confident that it can keep growth within a "reasonable range".
Li's comments were delivered Tuesday but published by the government on Friday, following the release of data suggesting that the economy grew below 7% in April as the slowdown deepens.
The government has cut interest rates three times and the reserve requirement by a cumulative 150 basis points since November last year in an effort to shore up growth, though analysts warn more may be needed if Beijing is to avoid missing its full-year target for a second year in a row.