Question: China's economic development has drawn high attention of other countries. Could you brief us on China's current economic situation and its impact on ASEAN and other East Asian countries?

Answer: World economic recovery now faces difficulties and there are also many uncertainties in the Asian economy. In the face of the complex international and domestic situation and downward economic pressure, the Chinese government has stood its ground and responded in a calm way. We have maintained stability in and innovated on our macroeconomic policies. On the one hand, we have refrained from expanding fiscal deficit, and neither eased nor tightened monetary policy. On the other hand, we have taken a series of creative policy measures to boost reform, energize the market, adjust the economic structure, and have seized every opportunity to transform and upgrade the economy. These measures are in line with the goal of maintaining steady growth and have effectively kept the economy on an even keel. In the first six months of this year, China's GDP grew by 7.6%, and employment rate and overall prices were both stable. Since July, major economic indicators have rebounded, the real economy has been dynamic and market confidence has increased. The Chinese economy now enjoys a strong momentum of steady growth.

China's development is closely linked to that of the world. Over the past 30 years, the Chinese economy has benefited a great deal from opening up. China's rapid growth has also contributed much to East Asia and the world. In the future, with parallel advancement of industrialization, IT application, a new type of urbanization and modern agriculture, China stands a good chance of sustained and sound growth, and will continue to release reform dividends, market potential and innovative vitality. It is projected that in the next five years, China's import will reach US$10 trillion, its outbound investment will top US$500 billion and its overseas visits will exceed 400 million. China hopes to share with ASEAN and other East Asian countries such tremendous business opportunities and make greater contribution to the development of ASEAN, other East Asian countries and the world. We hope other countries will all play an active part in this process and create greater conditions and a better environment for our cooperation.