Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Thursday that China's bid to improve macro-economic regulation, which focuses on curbing excessive growth in fixed-asset investment, has begun to produce tangible results.

In a report on the situation of the country's economy to about 1,100 members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering, the premier said the country's economic situation is generally good.

He explained that the country's economy is growing fast, its economic returns continue to improve, the rural situation is comparatively good, and industrial growth remains relatively fast while the growth momentum of foreign trade is strong.

The income of the country's residents is growing at a relatively fast pace, and domestic consumption is growing in a stable but accelerating way, the premier said.

Facts have shown the macro-economic measures adopted by the central authorities to regulate the economy are timely, correct, and effective, said the premier.

"So long as the measures and policies are truly implemented, the economy can surely grow in a stable and relatively faster pace," he said.

China has moved to prevent its economy from overheating during the past year, using such means as tightening money supplies and bank loans to overheating sectors, such as steel and cement, and real estate.

Blind investment in those sectors also triggered shortage of energy supply and related raw materials.

Wen said China would strive to maintain its economic growth in a sustainable, coordinated, fast and healthy way through macro-economic regulation and scientific and technological progress.

(People's Daily June 4, 2004)