China Targets US$22.5 Billion Monthly ExportsChina aims to export an average of US$22.5 billion worth of goods monthly this year, and the current situation is generally favorable to achieving that target, a senior trade official said Tuesday.Gao Hucheng, assistant minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (MOFTEC), said during a meeting of officials and executives of the nation's major companies on minerals and chemical products, that they should do their best to reach that goal. China exported US$16.9 billion worth of commodities in January, up less than 1 percent from the same month a year ago. The growth rate of exports for January last year were 47.6 percent. Analysts say the decline of growth rate in January was mainly because of a longer period of holidays, and does not indicate the overall situation for the year. The big increase of exports in January last year was based on a much lower benchmark instead. Gao said the current international and domestic situation favors the growth of China's exports. The world economy is expected to grow continuously this year although the US economy is slowing down, he said. Domestically, China's national economy will continue to grow vigorously, and the country will keep its policy on foreign trade stable. These factors will fuel the increase of exports, he predicted. In addition, China's upcoming entry into the World Trade Organization will benefit the country's exports this year, said the assistant minister. But Gao warned that uncertainties in the world economy and regional economies in Asia will affect the country to achieve its exports target. He urged officials to take a clear look at the situation and work earnestly. |
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