For more on the blueprints for next year's economic development, we have Professor Zhang Linxiu from the Chinese Academy of Sciences joining us in the studio.

Zhang Linxiu, Professor from the Chinese Academy of Sciences

Questions:

1. The just-concluded central economic work conference says that the priority next year is to maintain stable and healthy economic growth. What do you think of this key message?

2. The World Bank on Tuesday forecasted that global GDP growth will be 0.9 percent in 2009. And China's economic growth will be 7.5 percent. Now let's take a look at what the bank's chief economist said.

3. Back to our discussion. Although the conference did not mention exact figures, there has been consensus that 8% GDP growth is next year's target. What's your view on this target?

4. What are the challenges and difficulties the country's economy will face next year?

5. To ensure stable and healthy economic growth, boosting domestic demand is also high on the agenda. China has already launched a 4 trillion yuan stimulus package a month ago. Before we continue our discussion, let's first take a quick look at this short video clip.

6. Back to our discussion. We know in difficult times people would rather save than spend. So how can China effectively boost domestic spending?

7. China just released a couple of November economic figures today. We see PPI dropped to 2 percent, and exports contracted for the first time in 7 years. What is the significance of these figures?

8. The central economic work conference points out that China will adopt active fiscal policy and moderately easy monetary policy. How do you see this policy shift from the previous year?

9. The meeting also noted China should develop the economy in rural areas. They want to ensure agricultural production supply and demand, and increase farmers' incomes. Why does government put such high priority on the development of rural sector? What measures are expected?

(CCTV December 11, 2008)