China targets 2009 growth at 8 percent

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Thursday that strategic policies would push the country’s economic growth to 8 percent in 2009.

Speaking to the Second Session of the 11th National People’s Congress in Beijing, Wen said as long as we adopt the right policies and appropriate measures and implement them effectively, we will be able to achieve this target, Xinhua, the official state-run news agency, reported.

The premier said support for domestic demand, including support for automobile purchases, would be given full play.

Policies should also include reconstruction of areas damaged by the May 12, 2008 earthquake, he said.

Wen also said funds should be focused on improving peoples’ lives.

We must channel government investment to areas where it best counteracts the effects of the global financial crisis and to weak areas in economic and social development, he said.