The decline in China's economic growth rate in recent years will end this year, with the yearly growth rate for 1999 predicted at around 7.6 percent, almost the same as last year, according to an academic report soon to be published.

The report, finished by a group of scholars from the China Academy of Social Sciences, bases the conclusion on the outcome of the government proactive fiscal policy and various consumption- stimulating measures.

China has earlier set this year's growth rate at seven percent.

The report puts the growth rate for 2000 at between 7.5 to eight percent, adding that a steady growth will, however, depend on a number of domestic and international variables.

According to the report, fixed asset investments for 1999 and 2000 are estimated at 3,130 billion yuan and 3,410 billion yuan, respectively, up 10.3 percent and 8.5 percent.

The total retail volume is expected to grow by 10 percent and 9. 4 percent, respectively, for the two years under review.

The declining trend of the price index will also be controlled, the report says. In 1999, the fluctuation of the retail price index is predicted at -3.0 percent, and the figure for 2000 will be 0.1 percent.

According to the report, China's foreign trade has already seen some positive signs. In 1999 and 2000, the growth in imports will remain faster than in exports, and China will have a trade surplus.

The report will be published by the Social Science Literature Press before the end of this month. (Xinhua)