Klaus Schwab has long been optimistic that China is on the right path. But as China enters what many are calling a new normal era of medium-paced growth, the 76-year-old founder of the World Economic Forum thinks Premier Li Keqiang needs to let the world know that China will continue to drive the global economy.

When the annual event takes place from Jan 20 to Jan 24 in Davos, Switzerland, Li will join French President Francois Hollande, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and dozens of other state and government heads and 2,500 other participants from more than 140 countries to discuss the world's key economic challenges.

Schwab will be chairman when Li addresses the forum on Jan 21.

"He will share his vision on China's future development and reforms, as well as the country's increasingly important role on the global stage," Schwab says.

Asked what searching question he might put to Li, Schwab gives no clear answer, but indicates that he is still keenly interested in China's economic prospects.

China is still the largest contributor to global economic growth, and the country's success is impressive, he says, adding: "However, with sluggish global economic development, we can't assume that China will remain unaffected."

It will be crucial to find ways to "unlock China's growth potential in a balanced and sustainable way", he says.

For both China and the world it is paramount that the country's economy remain stable and continue to grow.

"I applaud the efforts the Chinese leadership is undertaking in this regard. The transition from mass production to innovation-driven growth is underway, but challenges remain."