Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Saturday that he was confident about China's economic development in 2010, even though it would be "the most complicated year" for the nation's economy.

"Last year was the most difficult year for China's economic development in the 21st century, while this year will be the most complicated," Wen said during an online chat with Internet users.

"We will consolidate the economic recovery while addressing new challenges," he said.

Growth of the world's third largest economy was 8.7 percent in 2009 and the annual growth rates of China's economy between 2003 and 2008 ranged from 9.6 percent in 2008 to 13 percent in 2007.

"The top priority is balancing stable and comparatively fast economic growth with the adjustment of the economic structure and the transformation of the development pattern, while keeping inflation in check," Wen said.

"I have confidence in China's economic development," he added.

Preventing inflation outbreak

The Premier said he attached great importance to the issue involving prices, which along with the problem of corruption could affect social stability and even the political situation.

Wen said he checked on consumer price lists everyday, with the commodity ranging from rice, flour, pork, beef to vegetables.

Inflation in China is reemerging after nine months of deflation.

China's consumer price index (CPI), the main inflation gauge, rose 1.5 percent year on year in January this year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). For the full year 2009, the CPI fell 0.7 percent.

China will continue to implement a "moderately loose" monetary policy and ensure stable and comparatively fast economic growth while managing inflationary prospects, he said.

"I believe we will be able to maintain stable and comparatively fast economic growth while keeping consumer prices in check," the Premier said.