NPC,  CPPCC Annual Sessions 2009

Officials brief on boosting domestic demand

Minister of Commerce Chen Deming (2nd L), Minister of Industry and Information Technology Li Yizhong (3rd L) and Minister of Human Resources and Social Security Yin Weimin (4th L) attend a press conference on "Boost domestic demand, increase employment and sustain economic growth" held by the Second Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 10, 2009. (Xinhua/Chen Shugen)  Photo Gallery>>>

China reiterates opposition to trade protectionism

Minister of Commerce Chen Deming attends a press conference on "Boost domestic demand, increase employment and sustain economic growth" held by the Second Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 10, 2009.  (Xinhua Photo)

    BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhua) -- China firmly opposes trade protectionism and would not turn to trade protectionism, Commerce Minister Chen Deming said here Tuesday morning.

    China would vigorously promote the Doha round of trade talks, Chen said at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress, China's legislative body.  Full story 

    BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhua) -- China's Commerce Minister Chen Deming said Tuesday the country is expected to see robust growth in consumption against the global economic turmoil.

    Given the 1.3 billion population, the country has a great market potential, especially in the countryside, he said at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress, China's legislative body.  Full story

Chinese mainland says no preconditions for comprehensive economic cooperation agreement with Taiwan

    BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland will set no preconditions for opening talks with Taiwan on a proposed "comprehensive economic cooperation agreement" (CECA), commerce Minister Chen Deming said here Tuesday.

    It would benefit both sides of the Taiwan Straits if such an agreement could be signed as soon as possible, said Chen at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress, China's legislative body. Full story

Official: China power use decrease slows in first two months

Minister of Industry and Information Technology Li Yizhong smiles during a press conference on "Boost domestic demand, increase employment and sustain economic growth" held by the Second Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 10, 2009. (Xinhua Photo)

    BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhua) -- The volume of power consumption in China continued to dip in the first two months of this year but the downward pace was slower, said the Industry and Information Technology Minister Li Yizhong here Tuesday.

    Combined power use in January and February fell 3.7 percent from the same period of last year, compared with a year-on-year drop of 17.5 percent last November and 8.7 percent in December, Li said at a press conference during the annual parliament session.  Full story

Commerce minister: China faces "grim" export situation

   BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhua) -- China's export continued the downward tendency in February and will face a "grim" situation in the "coming foreseeable months", said a senior official on Tuesday.

    "Affected by the global economic recession, China has undergone negative growth in both import and export since last November," said Chen Deming, Minister of Commerce, at a press conference on the sidelines of the National People's Congress' annual session.  Full story

Minister: China's employment situation "grave," counter measures take "initial effects."

    BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Human Resources and Social Security Minister Yin Weimin warned of a "grave" employment situation in China on Tuesday, but said government measures to boost employment have taken "initial effect".

    With the big drop in company posts, a large number of migrant workers who lost their jobs, and the labor-intensive industry falling as major victim amid global financial downturn, "the employment situation in China is very grave," he said at a press conference on the sidelines of the parliament's annual full session.  Full story