Chinese Premier says economic slowdown becoming major problem in China

Source: Xinhua | 03-05-2009 09:37

BEIJING, March 5 (xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao admitted Thursday that the country is facing unprecedented difficulties and challenges, with continuous drop in economic growth rate due to the impact of the global financial crisis becoming a major problem.

When delivering a government report to the annual session of the Chinese legislature, he said that, the global financial crisis continues to spread and get worse. Demand continues to shrink on international markets; the trend toward global deflation is obvious; and trade protectionism is resurging.

"The external economic environment has become more serious, and uncertainties have increased significantly," he said.

"Continuous drop in economic growth rate due to the impact of the global financial crisis has become a major problem affecting the overall situation. This has resulted in excess production capacity in some industries, caused some enterprises to experience operating difficulties and exerted severe pressure on employment," according to the Premier.

Factors leading to decline in government revenues and increase in government expenditures have increased. It has become more difficult to maintain steady agricultural development and keep rural incomes growing, he added.