The annual growth rate of China's gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to hit nine percent in 2005, said Chinese Vice-Premier Zeng Peiyan on Wednesday.

Addressing a symposium of multinational corporations held in Xiamen Wednesday, Zeng said China will maintain rapid development and continue to improve the investment environment.

Representatives of 47 multinational corporations attended the symposium. Briefing them on the current economic situation, Zeng said the micro economic control has shown its effect and the national economy has maintained its momentum. China will maintain the stability and continuity of its policies.

He said China's policy on energy in the past 20 years was successful, providing a guarantee for realizing China's goal of quadrupling its GDP.

Facing the new situation in global energy supply, he said, China would economize on energy, readjust energy structure, speed up nuclear development, make active use of renewable energy and enhance energy cooperation with other countries.

(Xinhua News Agency September 8, 2005)