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China to maintain prudent economic policy
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-01-26 16:16 China pledged on Thursday to liberalise its
interest rate and foreign exchange policy further as part of wider economic
reform but said the process would be gradual.
Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Central Bank Governor
Zhou Xiaochuan said China would maintain a prudent economic policy and have
"decontrol" of exchange rates and interest rates.
"We will maintain the economic policy (that is) prudent... We will have
decontrol of interest rates and foreign exchange," he told reporters.
"We will expand the flexibility to (those who) participate in financial
markets (in China). This is the year we'll further open up service sectors
especially in the financial services," he added.
"Our foreign exchange policy is already in a good position. (The yuan) can
float in a band."
Asked whether China would broaden the band, Zhou replied: "You know, Chinese
economic reforms are gradual."
"Already some neighbouring countries welcome China... in Vietnam, Laos,
Myammar, Kazakhstan, Mongolia... In border trade they choose the yuan. I think
this is a good thing."
Zhou said the weakening of the dollar might cause fluctuations in financial
markets and could reduce world growth.
"The U.S. should increase their savings, he said."
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