Two Sessions: Positive reactions from deputies, media on 2017 gov't work report

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By CGTN’s Martina Fuchs

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivered the Report on the Work of the Government to a hall of lawmakers during the opening meeting of the National People's Congress on Sunday, outlining a wide range of topics and targets from economy to environment.

CGTN’s Martina Fuchs laid her hands on the highly-anticipated document as soon as it came out and interviewed deputies and journalists attending the conference to get their reactions on China’s highlights for 2017.

China’s economy and relevant reforms, pushing for further environmental protection and widening the country’s opening up to the world are on the government’s agenda for the upcoming year.

"GDP is projected to grow by 6.5 percent approximately, however in practice, we will strive for better," Li said.

Despite trimming down the forecast from last year’s 6.5-7 percent range, the figure has been widely agreed on as being reasonable. Deputies have expressed optimism that China will be able to fulfill this year's target, and hoped that the Chinese economy will recover and gain steam again.

Some also expressed their concern about air quality and environment, saying that "the living standard of the average people and the living environment for everyone must be improved. That is very important now."

According to the report, China will make its skies blue again by addressing pollution caused by coal burning, upgrading coal-fired power stations, tackling sources of pollution and strengthening research on smog.

The feedback on the government work report was largely positive, but even more widely watched will be how all the reforms will get implemented.