China targets stable, fast growth in 2009

Senior Chinese officials have concluded their annual Central Economic Work Conference here in Beijing. They say achieving stable and fast economic growth will be the country's primary task in 2009. The meeting also laid out key policies aimed at reviving the economy amid the global economic downturn.

Now is a crucial moment for China's economy. Top leaders have worked out strategies to revive the economy in light of the mounting economic difficulties from the world financial crisis.

They say the country must put keeping robust economic growth at the top of its 2009 economic agenda. To achieve this goal, one of the main tasks will be to expand domestic demand. The country should also focus on changing the way the economy grows to further optimize its economic structure. In addition, the central government will continue the reform and opening up policy, and further improve people's lives.

The meeting also maps out five key economic tasks for 2009.

On the top of the list is strengthening macro-economic policies while adopting active fiscal policy and relatively loose monetary policy. The government vows to substantially increase public spending, cut taxes and step up support for farmers and low-income-earners.

In particular, the central government says it will spare no effort to expand employment channels for migrant workers. They will also work hard to increase farmers' income.

The central government says they are committed to optimizing the country's income distribution. They will focus on increasing the income of its citizens and expanding consumer consumption.

Meanwhile, the government says it will introduce more policies to boost employment and improve the social benefits safety net. They will also enhance education and medical services.

Policy-makers expressed confidence in tackling the current difficulties. They said the prospects of China's economy remain positive and will not be reversed by the current global financial crisis.