Economy to stay the course

The country is confident and fully capable of keeping good momentum in economic growth this year despite domestic difficulties and a global economic slowdown, Premier Wen Jiabao said on Saturday.

Addressing a seminar for the country's ministerial-level officials in Beijing, Wen said this year has been "most difficult" with global financial instability, worldwide and regional economic slowdown, and domestic price hikes.

However, Wen said the country has adopted a series of counter measures and these have proven effective.