BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- China has set its deficit-to-GDP ratio at 3 percent, in a safe range and helpful to overcome deflation, an expert said on Wednesday.

The deficit-to-GDP ratio can help boost restructuring, tackle deep conflicts, and maintain social stability, said Yao Jingyuan, a researcher with the Councilor's Office of the State Council.

Meanwhile, the rise in deficit can help cut taxes for enterprises, deal with "zombie companies" and protect the interests of employees, he said.

China plans to raise its deficit-to-GDP ratio to 3 percent this year from 2.3 percent in 2015, said a government work report delivered to China's top legislature on Saturday, offering the government more to spend.

The government deficit for 2016 is projected to be 2.18 trillion yuan (335 billion U.S. dollars), a rise of 560 billion yuan over last year.