WB raises forecast for growth rate

Nation's economy may gradually bottom out this year, says analyst

The World Bank raised China's GDP growth forecast for this year to 6.5 percent on Thursday, up from 6.4 percent in its last forecast in January. Analysts said the Chinese economy may gradually bottom out this year, with quality of growth continuing to improve.

The World Bank also said in its updated growth forecast report for the East Asia and Pacific region that China has achieved headway in its economic restructuring.