China keeps 2014 growth target at 7.5 percent

BEIJING -- China targeted economic growth of around 7.5 percent in 2014, unchanged from last year, according to a government work report to be delivered by Premier Li Keqiang at the parliament' s annual session Wednesday.

"On the basis of careful comparison and repeatedly weighing various factors as well as considering what is needed and what is possible, we set a growth target of around 7.5 percent," said the report, which came four months after a key meeting outlined a wide-ranging reform package last November.

This is the third consecutive year that the government put the goal at 7.5 percent as it looks to steer the economy onto a more sustainable path.