BEIJING, Jan. 25 (Xinhuanet) -- China's economy grew 9.9 percent in 2005 on the back of improved efficiency, mild inflation and enhanced vitality, top statistician Li Deshui announced here on Wednesday.

    Preliminary estimation shows the gross domestic product (GDP) for the year stood at 18.23 trillion yuan (2.26 trillion U.S. dollars), said Li, commissioner of National Bureau of Statistics, at a press conference.

    The rate was marginally lower than the 10.1 percent growth in 2004.

    In breakdown, the value-added of the primary industry reached 2.27 trillion yuan, up 5.2 percent; that of the secondary industrywas 8.62 trillion yuan, up 11.4 percent; and that of the tertiary industry was 7.34 trillion yuan, up 9.6 percent.

    Li said last year's growth was "fairly balanced." The GDP increased 9.9, 10.1, 9.8 and 9.9 percent, respectively, in the four quarters. Enditem