Govt says most regions can meet growth target

BEIJING - China's top economic planner said on Tuesday that most regions can achieve their growth target this year if macro-policies remain basically stable, in the latest words of reassurance about the slowdown of the world's second-largest economy.

China's regional development is generally stable, and favorable factors have remained for the second half of the year despite many difficulties facing the economy, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said in an online statement.

The NDRC statement came as China's economy has been stuck in a protracted slowdown. Growth eased to 7.5 percent in the second quarter from 7.7 percent in the first three months.

The commission called for deeper reforms and further opening-up in the more affluent eastern regions, including accelerating construction of new experimental zones and pilot reforms in major areas to offer experience to the broader economy.

It also pledged more support to the central, western and northeastern regions.

Central government investment will lean toward major infrastructure and social projects in central and west China to make sure they are not affected by the slowing economy, the NDRC said, adding it is also mulling a policy document to revitalize old industrial bases in the northeast.

China's regional development is heavily imbalanced, with the coastal regions in the east and south leading the country's dazzling growth story, whereas most central and west areas lag far behind.