China's economy had good start to 2016: Premier Li

[BEIJING] China's economy got off to a good and stable start in 2016, Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday, encouraging observers to consider the economy "as a whole."

Mr Li was speaking at a forum in Boao on the southern Chinese island of Hainan.

He added that employment was stable, although different regions and industries showed different performances, but said that the country had policies in place to strengthen growth.

He pointed out that consumption is growing at double-digit rates, and that there is more room to develop western and central regions in China.

Mr Li also noted that China has some deep-rooted problems and is seeing unavoidable but temporary adjustment pains as its economy restructures.

REUTERS