China’s top planner dismisses concerns about slower growth
Newly appointed NDRC chief He Lifeng tells two sessions delegates that Beijing will meet 6.5 per cent growth target
He Lifeng, a close associate of President Xi Jinping and the new head of the country’s powerful economic planning agency, got off to a confident start at his first media outing, coming up with the numbers and facts to bolster his case.
Unlike his predecessor and many other ministers, the National Development and Reform Commission director made scant reference to his prepared materials when he fronted the press on the sidelines of the National People’s Congress on Monday. Instead, he kept the numbers and policy ideas coming from memory.
“That’s what he does. He speaks quickly and his delivery is concise, not long-winded. It’s his style. He enjoys a good reputation in the commission,” said a source who is familiar with He.