Premier Li Qiang on Friday presided over a State Council executive meeting that deployed the work to replicate and promote measures of pilot initiatives taken in the development of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone.
The meeting also reviewed reports on constructing a new model for real estate development and advancing the construction of high-quality housing, and approved an implementation plan to make further improvements to the credit repair system.
Measures to optimize the centralized procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies were also discussed.
The meeting highlighted the importance of making good use of the experience of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, which fully aligns with high-standard international trade and economic rules, to release institutional innovation dividends on a broader scale.
Priority should be given to advancing pilot initiatives that enterprises and the public need urgently, according to the meeting.
The meeting called for assessments of the land supplied for real estate across the country as well as ongoing projects.
It also underscored the need to optimize existing policies through a multi-faceted approach, aiming to stabilize expectations, stimulate demand, improve supply and mitigate risks, alongside a strengthened push to reverse the downturn and stabilize the real estate market.
The meeting also highlighted the need to expedite the improvement of the credit repair mechanism, thereby assisting entities with credit issues to rebuild their trustworthiness more effectively.
It also stressed the importance of enhancing quality supervision across the entire production, circulation and usage chain of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.
Chinese premier chairs meeting on pilot free trade zone
Chinese premier chairs meeting on pilot free trade zone
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
