BEIJING, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang highlighted the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in hope of a more healthy and effective economy on Saturday.

Li made the remarks in a written instruction at the start of a week-long science and technology campaign that seeks to boost innovation and entrepreneurship in the face of the "new normal" of slower growth.

The Chinese economy grew 7.4 percent in 2014, the weakest annual expansion in 24 years. The government has further lowered this year's growth target to approximately 7 percent.

Li called for efforts to improve the country's management system of science and technologies, and cultivate an innovative culture among the public.

Entrepreneurship should be encouraged, particularly among youths, in order to gather new momentum to maintain a medium-high-level growth rate and push domestic industries to medium-high levels, he said.