BEIJING - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has called for reducing administrative barriers for launching businesses to create more job opportunities.

On a nationwide tele-conference held on Monday about the functional transformation of the institutions under the State Council, or the cabinet, Li said China faces a tough employment situation due to the tempered economic growth in the past few months this year.

The country will expect a record 6.99 million college graduates this year, Li said, adding that it is an important task to help them get employed.

Efforts should be made to vigorously develop medium-sized, small and micro businesses by canceling unnecessary administrative approvals, as state-owned enterprises and institutions have limited capacity in providing employment opportunities.

Li said that the government should also make efforts to lower the threshold for people to seek employment or start businesses.