In accordance with the "Four Comprehensives", Li said, China should make greater efforts to stabilize growth, expand effective demand and withstand downward pressure, in an effort to keep economic operation within a proper range.

Reform shall be pushed forward, with a focus on cutting government red tape, reforming the tax and financial sector, and reforming State-owned enterprises and assets, Li added.

He promised to inject vigor into the market by promoting mass entrepreneurship and innovation. The premier also emphasized economic restructuring by offering more public goods and services to the people and boosting consumption related to information and tourism.

The representatives speaking at the session have expertise in industries including telecommunications, banking, agriculture and the private economic sector. According to China Central Television, speakers at the meeting included Guo Guangchang, chairman of Fosun Group, China's largest non-State-owned conglomerate, and Xi Guohua, chairman of China Mobile, the country's largest 4G mobile network operator.

"Some speakers have called for more easing in monetary and housing policies," said Zhang Li, chairman of Guangzhou-based R&F properties and a CPPCC National Committee member.

Other members said Premier Li did not give a specific reply to their request during the meeting, while highlighting Free Trade Zone projects and emphasizing stronger efforts to help companies go global.

Dong Dasheng, former deputy auditor-in-chief and also a CPPCC National Committee member, said: "Some senior executives said they need simplified approval procedures regarding overseas investment and getting money back to China. Premier Li assigned the task to People's Bank of China Governor Zhou Xiaochuan during the meeting."