China's premier downplays slowdown at World Economic Forum, reassures investors

Beijing

CHINA'S economy is operating within a reasonable range, said its Prime Minister Li Keqiang, in a bid to reassure global investors gathered in Dalian for the summer edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

In his speech to a select group of chief executive officers, he said China's growth was stabilising, its employment was at a reasonable level and that the economy was trending in a positive direction.

China can maintain mid- to high-speed growth, he added.

The world's second largest economy grew 7 per cent in the first quarter and 7 per cent in the second, the slowest growth rate in more than 25 years.

These rates are still within the government's target, but many say that the economy, mired in overcapacity left over from dec…