`China`s economy to remain strongest engine for growth`

Beijing: China on Thursday said its economy is expected to remain the "strongest engine" for world economic growth this year despite the slowdown.

China's economy, which posted double digit growth rates till 2011, grew 6.7 per cent last year, the slowest in 26 years.

The economy slowed down from 6.9 per cent in 2015, when it slipped below the 7 per cent but still well within the government's target range of 6.5-7 per cent.

The fundamentals for China's long-term growth have not changed, and the economy still enjoys strong sources of growth, Wang Guoqing of China?s National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPCC) said at a press conference.

CPPCC, a advisory body comprised of nominated members from various walks of life, will begin its session tomorrow.

"Both the quality and efficiency of China's economy saw further improvement last year," Wang said.

China's steady growth creates greater demand, a wider variety of products and more cooperation opportunities, Wang said.

"Seeking progress while maintaining stability" will be the main theme for China's economic work this year, according to a statement issued after the Central Economic Work Conference in December last year.

Wang added that China will seek new progress in the reform of important areas.

"We can be assured that China will not slow down its steps in deepening overall reforms, but make steadier strides," he said.