The SARS epidemic will not disrupt China's economic growth despite its impact, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said in Beijing Thursday.

The outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has had some impact on China's economy, but the favorable conditions for China's economic development still exist, said Zhang at a regular press conference.

China's economy is currently developing steadily, and gross domestic product (GDP) in April saw rapid growth, she added.

Zhang said the Chinese government attaches great importance to the impact of SARS on China's economy. The State Council, the country's cabinet, has convened several times to address economic growth in the context of the fight against SARS.

Zhang said that, although the number of SARS cases reported in China has decreased recently, the whole nation should remain vigilant and take further steps to minimize the impact of the epidemic and, at the same time, to maintain and promote economic growth.

(Xinhua News Agency May 29, 2003)