Upgrading builds up a solid foundation for growth

China's economy, despite headwinds, has enjoyed a good start in 2019, and the country has the confidence to achieve the annual projected growth goal, said the nation's top economic regulator.

Yuan Da, spokesperson with the National Development and Reform Commission, said the first quarter's stable economic development has laid a solid foundation for annual growth.

"The economy has stayed on the track of steady growth. We have the confidence, conditions and capability to meet the projected targets for economic and social development this year," Yuan told an NDRC news conference on Thursday in Beijing.