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Mayor: Economic growth tops Beijing agenda

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-01-12 11:52

BEIJING -- Beijing government's top priority this year is to maintain a "steady and relatively fast" economic development, Mayor Guo Jinlong said here on Monday.

A man walks on an overpass on Jianguo Road near office buildings in Beijing's central business district January 6, 2009. Beijing government's top priority this year is to maintain a "steady and relatively fast" economic development, Mayor Guo Jinlong said here on Monday. [Agencies]

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Guo made the remarks while delivering a government report at the city's annual legislative session.

He said the international financial crisis has affected Beijing's economy, as the city witnesses a continuing downturn in the real estate market, mounting pressures for businesses, and reduced growth rates in industrial output, export, fiscal income and economy.

Beijing's service-based economy is home to several multinational headquarters. The delayed affects of the international financial crisis presents many questions about the near future, according to Guo.