Huang summarized the performance of the country's economy in the first half of this year at the second session of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee.

Huang considered the achievements hard earned as efforts to promote economic development had continued during the fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome.

The government had launched a series of policies to gradually support sectors badly-hit by the disease, to increase investment, boost consumption, propel exports and foreign capital utilization, as well as enhance employment and social security, in order to bring life back to normal, Huang said.

China's industry maintained a rapid growth rate and agriculture saw a balanced development. Domestic demand was still expanding and foreign trade was increasing, he said.

The impact of SARS failed to affect the basic factors of China's economic development and would not hinder economic growth, Huang noted.

He stressed that further efforts should be devoted to expanding domestic demand and employment opportunities, adjusting economic structures, deepening reform, and strengthening regular epidemic prevention work in the second half of this year.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of CPPCC National Committee, presided over the session.

(Xinhua News Agency July 9, 2003)