China expects robust growth in consumption: minister

BEIJING  -- China's Commerce Minister Chen Deming said Tuesday the country is expected to see robust growth in consumption against the global economic turmoil.

Given the 1.3 billion population, the country has a great market potential, especially in the countryside, he said at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress, China's legislative body.

"Consumption growth has been very stable as far as I can see," said the minister.

"Government measures to promote sales and expand consumption have begun to take effect," he added.

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