Economic development Beijing’s top priority: official

BEIJING - Beijing government’s top priority is to maintain a ’steady and relatively fast’ economic development, Mayor Guo Jinlong said here Monday, adding international financial crisis has affected its economy.

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.

The mayor added that the international financial crisis presents many questions about the near future.