Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, speaks at a meeting held with government officials and entrepreneurs in south China's Guangdong province, Dec 9, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

GUANGZHOU - China must face squarely difficulties and challenges and strive for the best results in the economic work, the new helmsman of the nation's ruling party has said.

Difficulties and challenges, as well as advantages and positive factors, should be taken into account to promote healthy economic growth in a solid way, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said at a meeting held with government officials and entrepreneurs in south China's Guangdong Province on Sunday.

In the face of complicated and fast-changing conditions, confidence and the awareness of risks are both needed to make progress while maintaining stability, he noted.

"We should remain cool-headed. We should acknowledge the economic and social achievements we have made so far this year and recognize the long-term fundamentals will remain sound," he said.

"Meanwhile, we should recognize that adverse domestic and overseas effects will be long-term, complicated and winding. We should not run from conflicts and cover up problems," he said.

China's economy expanded 7.4 percent year on year in the July-September period, slowing for the seventh consecutive quarter.

However, official data has showed recovering fixed-asset investment, industrial activity and retail sales in recent months. But trade data remains ugly, as external demand has faltered.

Xi also urged accelerating economic restructuring and resolutely pushing innovation forward. Xi described the goals as imperative and in line with trends.