Chinese economy operating within reasonable range: premier

TIANJIN-- China's economy is operating within a reasonable range, Premier Li Keqiang said on Tuesday.

With growth at 7.4 percent, better employment and a 2.3 percent inflation in the first half of the year, the country is on track despite fluctuations in some economic indicators, he said, speaking to entrepreneurs ahead of the Summer Davos in north China's Tianjin Municipality.

It is inevitable that the economy experiences short-term fluctuations, such as in electricity consumption, shipment volume and lending, while still operating within reasonable range, he said.

The global economy is in a difficult recovery with some key economies performing poorly. China's economic development has problems as well, he said.

In the first eight months, new urban jobs reached nearly 10 million, slightly below the yearly target, he said.

The annual growth target is around 7.5 percent. "Around" here means slightly higher or lower rates are acceptable, as long as employment,incomes and environmental protection improve, he said.

The government will continue its macro-economic policies, Li said.