China will take more targeted measures to expand domestic demand and stabilise external demand in an effort to promote a sustained economic rebound, Premier Li Qiang was quoted by state radio as saying on Thursday.

The key to promoting sustained recovery of economic operations is to enhance confidence in development, Premier Li said.

Li’s remarks followed a batch of recent data which suggested the economy lost momentum at the beginning of the second quarter. Imports contracted sharply, factory gate prices fell again, property investment slumped further and industrial output and retail sales missed forecasts.