China to grow 10 percent in 2009 despite global crisis: government economist

A senior Chinese government analyst has forecast 10 percent growth in the nation's economy in 2009, according to state media, a far higher figure than most other predictions.

The main reason is China's ability to provide its own growth momentum, Xinhua news agency reported, citing Zhang Liqun, an economist with the Development Research Centre, a cabinet think tank.

"Although the dim world economic situation has led to weak overseas demand... vast development potential means the country's economy will grow at a fast pace," said Zhang said.

"Personal income continues to increase as millions of migrant workers flow into the cities to improve their lives," he said, also citing demand for homes and cars as important drivers of growth.

The World Bank said last week it expected the Chinese economy to grow by 7.5 percent in 2009, slowing to a 19-year low because of the impact of the global financial crisis.

China's economy, the world's fourth-largest, expanded by nine percent in the third quarter, the lowest level in more than five years.