The third session of the 13th National People's Congress opens at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 22, 2020. (Photo: Xinhua)

He said China has gained “important strategic achievements” in the fight against the epidemic, but in light of “severe recession” of the global economy, China’s development is facing “unprecedented challenges”. 

He admitted that consumption, exports, and domestic investment are declining, employment pressures are increasing, while businesses, particularly super small, small, and medium enterprises are in difficulty.

The Chinese Premier outlined tasks of 2020. He said: “We are determined to strengthen “six stabilities” to ensure  job security, basic living needs, operations of market entities, food and energy security, stable industrial and supply chains, and the normal functioning of primary-level governments.”

Premier Li added the government will set no specific economic growth target for 2020 because of unpredictable factors regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the world economic and trade environment.  

Earlier, at the opening ceremony, Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and nearly 2,900 delegates observed a minute of silence in tribute to those who lost their lives in the COVID-19 epidemic.

The National People's Congress session will run for 7 days instead of 10 as in previous years.