In others, Li receives a warm welcome from crowds of officials at the various key economic government apparatus he has overseen.
At a stop at the National Development and Reform Commission, Li appears to give a farewell speech to the officials greeting him, saying China’s economic reform still needs to be “comprehensively promoted”.
“The first priority is development, and the fundamental driving force is reform, and these are now entrusted to you,” Li says in the video.
In another clip at the Ministry of Finance, Li says his visit is “to show my gratitude to you comrades”.
“We have gone through an extraordinary journey in the past few years, especially last year, when we were hit by unexpected factors such as the pandemic, and comrades in the Ministry of Finance have played a key role in coping with the challenges,” he said.
Footage of Premier Li Keqiang making farewell calls at key government ministries has appeared online despite censorship. Photo: Weibo
An official at one of the gatherings who spoke on condition of anonymity said the atmosphere was “warm” and many people came together to bid farewell.
“Many people went there specially just to see him off, with everyone appearing to be reluctant to part with Li,” the official said.
The source said the turnout showed that Li still enjoyed a good reputation within the Communist Party, even though he is retiring from the position as China’s No 2 official.
Li, 67, will deliver his final government work report on Sunday during the opening ceremony of the National People’s Congress.
A foreign businessman who has had direct contact with Li Keqiang described him as “down to earth”.
“He really knows the situation on the ground,” the businessman said on condition of anonymity.
