BEIJING — Vice-Premier Liu He on Oct 21 underscored efforts to ensure the full completion of this year's task of clearing arrears.

Work on clearing arrears by related departments is making smooth progress at the moment, Liu remarked at a teleconference on paying off arrears of private, small and medium-sized enterprises.

Clearing arrears is a significant political task that is not only important for government credibility but is also closely related to economic growth, social expectation, employment and people's livelihood, Liu stressed.

Efforts should be made to give timely response to social concerns and strengthen the follow-up assessment to guarantee full completion of this year's clearing arrears task, he added.