China's economy has entered a new growth stage with its opening up to the outside world broadening room for further economic growth, Chinese Finance Minister Jin Renqing said Tuesday.

Addressing the plenary session of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF) annual meetings, which formally kicked off in the Gulf emirate of Dubai Tuesday, Jin said the intrinsic vitality of China's economy has been remarkably enhanced, and a number of new growth points are emerging in automobile, real estate, electronics and telecommunications sectors.

Despite the unfavorable external environment and the outbreak of SARS, the Chinese economy has maintained higher growth, he said.

In the first half of 2003, China's GDP grew by 8.2 percent, compared to the same period of last year. The projected target of seven percent annual growth will be achieved, he told the delegates attending the opening session.

In order to achieve the overall objective of maintaining stable economic growth, the Chinese government will continue to stimulate domestic demand, ensure the continuity of macroeconomic policies and push forward reforms to address problems inherited in economic system, he said.

"Emphasis will be given to rural development, corporate and financial restructuring, and government institutional improvement," he added.

On the role of the World Bank and IMF in promoting sustainable economic development, the Chinese finance minister said the mandate of the World Bank is to promote economic growth, reduce poverty by transferring real resources and achieve equitable global economic development.

"To meet this goal, the Bank should stick to its mainstream business by providing investment loans to clients countries and scale up effort to support infrastructure action plan."

He noted that the IMF continues to play a irreplaceable role in promoting monetary cooperation among its members and maintaining global financial stability.

"China appreciates the work of the Fund in crisis prevention and resolution, and encourages the Fund continue to help low-income countries in debt reduction and economic recovery."

The Chinese finance minister also urged developed countries to increase development assistance to developing countries.

"The inadequacy of official development assistance (ODA) is a big hurdle in achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

"The reduction of trade barriers by developed countries, especially in the area of agriculture subsidies, holds the key for the success of Doha development round," he said.

"China hopes that all parties will make concerted efforts to promote the trade talks. Developed countries, in particular, should take due responsibility to abandon trade protectionism, lower barriers and further open up their markets," the Chinese minister said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 24, 2003)