
BEIJING, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Friday that the country is determined to implement larger scale tax and fee cuts this year as a key countermeasure against downward economic pressure.
The move is expected to deliver a dividend of nearly two trillion yuan (about 297 billion U.S. dollars) to the companies, Li said at a press conference after the conclusion of the annual session of China's national legislature.
"We are going to cut value-added tax rates for manufacturing and other basic sectors, as well as for small and medium-sized companies, the largest providers of jobs in our country, in a meaningful way," he said.
"This will create a more enabling environment for companies and in effect cultivate our tax sources."
Noting that the reform requires exceptional courage and determination, Li said the government must live on a tight budget given the drop in fiscal revenues.
"This is not something taking an overdraft on our future, but nurturing a better tomorrow," he said.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses