Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday pledged to maintain economic growth of at least 8% in 2010, while gradually drawing down government spending and taking measures to guard against inflation and potentially devastating asset bubbles.
The remarks came during Wen's annual report to the National People's Congress in Beijing – which is the equivalent of the United States' State of the Union speech – and they highlight the central government's determination to promote responsible levels of growth.
The call for 8% annual economic growth is the same goal that has been maintained since 2005 – and one that was easily passed last year with the implementation of a sprawling $586 billion stimulus package.