China will be able to achieve the economic growth target of about 8 percent in 2009, if proper policies and measures are taken, said Premier Wen Jiabao in his government work report to the parliament's annual session on Thursday.

"As long as we adopt the right policies and appropriate measures and implement them effectively, we will be able to achieve this target," Wen told the Second Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC).

It is the fifth year in a row for the country to target an eight-percent growth.

"In China, a developing country with a population of 1.3 billion, maintaining a certain growth rate for the economy is essential for expanding employment for both urban and rural residents, increasing people's incomes and ensuring social stability," said Wen.

"China maintained the eight-percent target for this year despite the global financial crisis," said Yang Yuqing, a NPC deputy and also head of the Development and Reform Commission of Chongqing Municipality, "It is a demonstration of resolution and confidence of the government in dealing with the crisis."

Wen said the eight-percent target was proposed based on China's need and ability.

"We are fully confident that we will overcome difficulties and challenges, and we have the conditions and ability to do so," the Premier told nearly 3,000 lawmakers at the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing.

China's economy cooled to a seven-year low of nine percent last year, and broke a five-year streak of double-digit expansion, as the global financial crisis takes its toll on the world's fastest growing economy.

China is under great pressure to actualize the targeted eight-percent growth, which is essential for the populous developing nation, although the country outperformed the target in the previous four years.