The World Bank says it applauds Beijing’s efforts in pushing forward economic reforms, praising the “sound” fundamentals of the world’s second largest economy, Chinese official news agency Xinhua reported.

The remarks of Jim Yong Kim, President of the international lender, were made in a press briefing last week, after a meeting with Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang, in Beijing.

“China has built the world’s second largest economy and it has undertaken significant reforms aimed at providing all of its citizens with an opportunity to enjoy greater prosperity,” Mr Kim said. “I’m convinced that their [Chinese officials’] resolve and commitment to their reforms is as strong as ever,” he added.

According to Xinhua, Mr Kim’s visit to China was to advance healthcare reform in that nation. Mr Li was quoted in a statement as saying Beijing “is working on its own solution”, aiming to put in place “a widely accessible healthcare system that benefits everyone”.

In the press briefing, Mr Kim said the Chinese economy was “still the envy of the world” despite a slowdown in growth. “China’s economy is strong and its fundamentals are sound,” he added.

The World Bank predicts the Chinese economy will grow 7 percent this year, the same as Beijing’s official growth target for the whole year. China’s gross domestic product expanded 7 percent in the second quarter, beating some analysts’ estimates.