Think Tank Posts China's Economy to Grow 9.3% in 2009        

China's GDP is estimated to grow 9.8% for 2008, according to an annual Blue Book on China's economy released by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) on December 2nd.
   "I think China can achieve a GDP growth of 9%, or even higher for 2009," says Wang Tongsan, a senior economist in CASS at a press conference releasing the academy's Blue Book - annual economic forecast.
   The think tank also says in the Blue Book that next year, the economic growth could reach 9.3%.
    Although the Chinese trade volume will very likely drop in 2009 due to the global financial turmoil and economic slowdown, Pei Changhong, a senior economist at CASS, expressed his confidence on the future export growth by policy supports of the government and real demand for Chinese products in oversea markets.
   The governmental think tank cited China's RMB4 trillion stimulus package for boosting domestic demand. The central bank also has cut the lending rate of 1.08 percentage points from November 27th, the largest reduction in 11 years.
   The economist predicted consumer inflation could grow some 4.3% next year.
   The Blue Book also urged the government to readjust further financial policy and provide supports for small and medium enterprises as well as help exporters get through hard time.
   Reforming price mechanisms of energy is also suggested in the Blue Book.