China premier says 7% growth goal was never cast in stone

Beijing

CHINA has never said the economy must grow 7 per cent this year, Premier Li Keqiang said in comments reported by the government ahead of a key meeting this week that will set economic and social targets for the next five years.

Mr Li's comments coincide with remarks by a top central bank official, who said on Saturday that China would be able to keep annual economic growth at around 6-7 per cent over that period.