Tianjin - China's Premier yesterday expressed confidence in his country's ability to maintain 'strong and sound' growth, saying that stable development would be China's greatest contribution to the troubled world economy.

The global financial turmoil as well as troubles at home - including natural disasters, high energy costs and inflation - have made this a particularly trying year for China's economy, said Premier Wen Jiabao.

Despite the challenges, 'we have full confidence, and the ability to overcome all sorts of difficulties in order to keep our economy growing in a sound and fast manner for a longer time to come', Mr Wen said at the opening of the World Economic Forum's Summer Davos in the north-eastern port city of Tianjin.

For more The Straits Times stories, click here.