Beijing top leaders reassure policies to boost domestic growth by ramping up public spending and cutting taxes after their 3-day meeting in the capital city – the Central Economic Work Conference, which is held annually at year-end to adjust policy for the coming year.

Photo courtesty of China.com

Economic data released this week showed further risks to the economy.

• The Producer Price Index (PPI) fell to 2 percent in November, down from 6.6 percent in October, the slowest pace ever since May 2006.
• The Consumer Price Index (CPI), the barometer for gauging inflation, eased to 2.4 percent last month, down form 4 percent in October
• Exports in November slid 2.2 percent year-on-year, the first monthly decline since June 2001. It’s down from 19.2 percent growth in October.
• Foreign direct investment in to China last month reached US$5.32 billion, the least ever since October 2007

China is targeting around an 8 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate for 2009 to ensure sufficient employment and safeguard social stability despite the challenges.

China has cut its lending rate four times since mid-September, with the latest reduction of 1.08 percentage points, and unveiled a 4 trillion yuan ($586 billion) stimulus package to avert an economic slump.

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