China seeks to narrow rich-poor gap (Asia Pulse) Updated: 2006-01-04 16:08
China's economy is likely to be heading for another year of galloping
development, but how to make more Chinese people reap the benefits is still a
challenge for the government.
Think-tank economists, researchers and President Hu Jintao have spoken of
their New Year expectations and concerns.
Powered by domestic economic
development and worldwide recovery, China's economy is expected to see stable
development this year following a growth rate of 9.8 per cent in 2005.
Ou Xinqian, vice-minister of National Development and Reform and Commission,
announced that growth rate over the weekend. The rate was a little higher than
in 2003 and 2004, when growth of 9.5 per cent was recorded.
The year 2001 saw a rate of 7.5 per cent and in 2002, 8.3 per cent was
recorded.
The latest figure means China is in another economic circle of fast
development.
"The circle is likely to continue due to vibrant buying, investment and
foreign trade," said Zhang Liqun, a senior researcher at the State Council
Development Research Centre, the central government's think-tank.
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