China economy expected to remain strong

BEIJING, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- China is expected to continue its strong economic growth, analysts say, no matter what uncertainties may come along.

China's gross domestic product increased 11.5 percent in the first six months of the year, with investment, inflation and lending maintaining strong growth, China Daily reported.

Economic growth in the second half of 2006 was lower than in the first half; therefore, year-on-year growth in this year's second half should be stronger, said Liang Hong, chief economist of Goldman Sachs (Asia) in Hong Kong.

The country's GDP growth may reach 12.6 percent for the second half, while the whole-year figure could be 12.3 percent, Liang said.

Economic growth will remain strong in the third quarter, Liang said, but she was not sure the momentum will continue in the fourth quarter, since the severity of expected tightening measures remains unknown.