Wen called for a steady growth of the economy in the second half of the year.

He said that more attention should be paid to the structure of the economy and the pattern of economic growth; and that the nation would focus more on energy saving and environmental protection to promote sustainable development.

He demanded more efforts be made in such areas as raising farmers' incomes, curbing overheated investment in fixed assets, and boosting consumption.

Wen also said that in the next five years, China would create 45 million jobs, re-employ 45 million labourers in rural areas and keep the urban unemployment rate below 5 per cent.