The statistic was revealed by Zeng Peiyan, minister of the State Development Planning Commission, who reported to national lawmakers on Wednesday on the implementation of a blueprint for national economic and social development this year.

The national economy has sustained relatively rapid growth at a time when the global economy is deteriorating, Zeng said.

He put down the growth to the efforts in expanding domestic demand and pushing for greater economic structure adjustment.

The ongoing 23rd Session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee also heard a report on work to enhance the fundamental status of agriculture and to increase incomes of farmers. It was delivered by Vice-Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu.

Han predicted that overall grain production for this year will roughly equal that of last year.

The development of agriculture and the rural economy has been proceeding smoothly so far this year thanks to the strategic readjustment in rural economic structure and the promotion of agricultural technology, he said.

In other developments, an inspection team from the NPC Standing Committee delivered a report on the implementation of the nation's Organic Law on the Villagers' Committee to the lawmakers.

The good implementation of the law means that villagers' self-governing is well on track, according to Hou Zongbin, member of the NPC Internal and Judicial Committee, who made the report to legislators.

(China Daily 08/30/2001)