Xi hails steady recovery amid challenges

Xi lauded the progress in the rapid growth of innovation-driven productive forces that push forward the development of strategic emerging and future-oriented industries, and said that the new round of reforms of the Party and State institutions is almost complete.

High-level opening-up is continuing to expand, and remarkable progress has been made in flood control, debt reduction, risk mitigation and delivery of housing projects, he said, adding that household incomes have grown faster than economic growth.

Noting that the work on Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions has been further strengthened, Xi said that effective measures have been taken to oppose and deter separatism on the Taiwan question. The diplomacy with Chinese characteristics has solidly advanced, and the external environment for China's development has continued to improve, he said.

These accomplishments have not come easily and are commendable, Xi said. "We have created new opportunities and gained strategic initiative in the face of crises and challenges, greatly enhancing our confidence and strength."