'China's economy to remain strongest engine for growth'

China's economy is expected to remain the strongest engine for world economic growth in 2017, a spokesperson of the top political advisory body said on Thursday.

China's economy expanded by 6.7 per cent last year, a good start for the country's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020), Wang Guoqing, spokesperson for the fifth session of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said at a press conference.

The world's second-largest economy grew by 6.7 per cent in 2016, slowest in 26 years.

"Both the quality and efficiency of China's economy saw further improvement last year," Wang was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.

China's steady growth creates greater demand, a wider variety of products and more cooperation opportunities, Wang said.

The fundamentals for China's long-term growth have not changed, and the economy still enjoys strong sources of growth, he added, citing remarks by national political advisers at a meeting earlier this year.

"Seeking progress while maintaining stability" will be the main theme for China's economic work this year, according to a statement issued after the Central Economic Work Conference in December.

Wang added that China will seek new progress in the reform of important areas.

"We can be assured that China will not slow down its steps in deepening overall reforms, but make steadier strides," he said.