Exports still vital to country's growth

BEIJING - Exports should not be sidelined as the nation rebalances its economy to encourage consumption, top government officials and policy advisors said.

China's exports have seen strong growth for many years, contributing to a large part of the country's stable economic progress. However, the global financial crisis, which has hit the country hard since mid-2008, as well as growing trade disputes, have prompted policymakers and advisors alike to rethink the country's export-related policies.

There have been growing voices among scholars that the country should stop supporting exports while shifting it focus to domestic consumption.