'Efforts needed to meet growth target,' Li says

China introduced a row of measures on Wednesday to support trade growth as the world's second-largest economy slowed considerably in the first three months of this year.

"At present, China's trade situation is challenging and complex. Arduous efforts will be needed to meet the annual growth target. We must take decisive and forceful measures to boost the steady growth of exports and imports," Premier Li Keqiang said as he presided over a State Council executive meeting.

Trade structure will be optimized by encouraging imports of advanced equipment, key parts, resources in shortage and consumption goods. Imports and exports of services will also be expanded, according to a news release.