World Bank economist: China growth 8-9% in 2009

The World Bank’s chief economist predicted single-digit growth for China next year, but said there would be strong consumer spending and fixed asset investment, Reuters reported, citing the Beijing Times. Justin Yifu Lin said China’s economy is likely to grow between 8 and 9% in 2009, and that China would play an important role in helping to fight the world economic crisis. Lin said China would see an adjustment of 2 or 3% from its growth of recent years, but would still be a fast-growing country. According to official statistics released last week, China’s economy slowed to 9% growth in the third quarter of 2008, from 11.9% in all of last year.