A recent poll by the China Entrepreneurs Survey System indicates that most Chinese entrepreneurs are optimistic about the nation's economic development, "China Daily" reports.

According to the survey, 48.6 percent of the 3,562 respondents who work in construction, transportation, telecommunications and services anticipated China's economy will grow six to seven percent this year. Thirty-one percent said that the growth will be seven to eight percent.

About 40 percent of the respondents said the country's economic development is adequate.

They believe the country's economic controls have worked well and will allow the economy to keep growing steadily.

The negative impact of the Asian financial crisis is dissipating, and deflation should also level off, survey respondents said. However, insufficient demand, irrational economic structure and inefficient domestic companies are restricting further development, those surveyed said.

The entrepreneurs said that they hope the central government continues to adopt pro-active fiscal policies, help non- governmental investment and raise the income of urban and rural residents.