Nation to expand public investment

Move aims to encourage consumption as economy faces increasing pressure

Premier Li Keqiang called for increases in effective investment at reasonable levels, including public services and infrastructure, to encourage domestic consumption when China faces increasing downward pressure on its economic growth this year.

The premier made the statement during a meeting of the State Council, the Cabinet, on Tuesday to solicit opinions from economists and entrepreneurs on the draft of the Government Work Report, which he will deliver to the annual session of the National People's Congress in March.