China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin called for reinforced efforts to sustain steady and rapid economic development amid global financial turmoil.

He made the remarks during an inspection trip to the southern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region during March 20 to 25.

Jia warned 2009 could be "the most difficult year for China's economic development since the beginning of the 21st century."

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said the most important goal of macroeconomic control was to reverse the downward trend of economic growth.


Jia Qinglin (2nd R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, inspects China Chemical Rubber Guilin Corp., Ltd. in Guilin, southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on March 20, 2009. Jia Qinglin made an inspection tour in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on March 20-25. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)


Jia Qinglin (C), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with residents at Bashan Village in Laibin City, southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on March 20, 2009.(Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)
Source:Xinhua