Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday that China's development is propelled by reform and opening-up, noting that the nation stands ready to work with other countries in COVID-19 response and economic recovery.

Li made the remarks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing ahead of the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in a meeting with foreign diplomats newly sent to China by 28 countries.

Li welcomed the diplomats and asked them to convey sincere greetings and best wishes to the leaders and peoples of their respective nations.

He said China stands ready to work with countries worldwide to cement mutual political trust and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation for win-win results.

He called on them to contribute to developing relations between China and their countries, adding that the Chinese government would provide necessary support and convenience for the envoys to perform their duties in China.

On China's economy, Li said the Chinese economy has continued to recover steadily since the beginning of this year.

The premier said China is entering a new development stage and is following a new development philosophy and formulating a new paradigm to advance high-quality development.

China would maintain the continuity and consistency of macro policies while enhancing effectiveness and make pre-adjustments, fine-tuning and cross-cycle adjustments to stabilize rational market expectations, Li said.

He said China would maintain stable industrial and supply chains, ensure electricity supply and livelihoods, and make sure that the economy is operating within a reasonable range.

China would continue reform, promote high-level opening-up, foster a market-oriented and law-based international business environment, and promote fair competition, said Li. He added that China welcomes overseas enterprises to invest in the country.

The diplomats expressed congratulations on the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the PRC and conveyed their leaders' greetings to the leaders and people of China.

They commended China's development achievements and said China has played a vital role in safeguarding international and regional peace and stability and promoting development.

They said they believed that China's advancement would bring more opportunities globally, and they are willing to play a positive role in promoting friendly relations between China and their countries.

At the invitation of Li, the diplomats later attended a reception to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the PRC.