China contributed roughly 30 percent to world economic growth during the first half of this year, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday, adding that the world's second largest economy will not take a "hard landing".[Special coverage]
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Summer Davos forum in northeastern Chinese city Dalian, Li said China's 7 percent growth during the first half of this year was not an easy achievement amid the slowing world economy.
He said that a seven percent rise for a 10 trillion U.S. dollar economy is higher in volume than the 10 percent growth seen in the past and places China among the top of the world's major economies.
MORE CONSUMPTION
A more encouraging sign, according to Li, is that the country's economy is more oriented toward consumption, which accounts for half of China's economic output and 60 percent of growth.
Though economic growth moderated to 7 percent in the first half, retail growth in China has risen more than 10 percent so far this year. Household disposable income has also outstripped economic growth, Li said.
Employment growth exceeded 7.18 million during the first half of this year, or 72 percent of the 10 million target set for the whole year.
"I have repeatedly said that as long as there is adequate employment, a steady rise in incomes and an improving environment, slower or faster growth is acceptable," Li said.
More than 100 million Chinese travelled abroad last year and the number of visitors rose 10 percent in the first six months of this year. Chinese tourists have demonstrated strong purchasing power abroad.
At home, consumption of information, culture, health and tourism services is strong. Energy conservation, environmental protection and the green economy are also emerging to create new growth drivers, according to Li.
NO HARD LANDING
Li also said the Chinese government is capable of dealing with the consequences of growth sliding out of reasonable range and that the Chinese economy will not have a "hard landing".
Despite slower foreign trade value growth, imports of commodities have grown in volume and the country's foreign direct investment will also continue to grow at a fast pace, Li said.
The Chinese economy is changing gears. Its vast manufacturing sector is upgrading and the economy is changing from relying heavily on investment to coordinated growth from both investment and consumption.
Li said fluctuation in growth at a time when the economy is undergoing a painful, difficult transition is normal and should not be a surprise.
"We are making targeted adjustments to the economy to reduce fluctuation in the short term and prevent risk contagion from overflowing." Li said.
