Economy heads in right direction
( 2001-10-01 09:18 ) (1 )

China's economy is gaining momentum and heading in the right direction, Premier Zhu Rongji said on September 30.

He said sustained economic growth, significantly improved efficiency, big increases in fiscal revenue, the sound operation of the financial sector and rising foreign exchange reserves were all positive indicators.

He was speaking at a reception hosted by the State Council to mark the 52nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Top Chinese leaders, including President Jiang Zemin and National People's Congress Standing Committee Chairman Li Peng, attended the celebration.

After the reception, Jiang, Li, Zhu and other Political Bureau Standing Committee members attended a concert in the Great Hall of the People and went up to the Tian'anmen Rostrum later to watch the bright midnight moon.

China has seen a growth rate of 7.9 per cent in the first half of this year despite a depressed global economic atmosphere, according to figures from the State Development Planning Commission.

Negotiations on China's accession to the World Trade Organization have come to an end after more than 14 years.

Turning to the question of Taiwan, Zhu said early reunification of the motherland is the common will of all Chinese.

"We will continue to follow the principles of 'peaceful reunification' and 'one China, two systems,' and the Eight-Point Proposal set forth by President Jiang Zemin," Zhu said.

The National Day, which is observed today, coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional Chinese gala for family reunion.