China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin called for reinforced efforts to sustain steady and rapid economic development amid global financial turmoil.

He made the remarks during an inspection trip to the south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region during March 20 to 25.

Jia warned 2009 could be "the most difficult year for China's economic development since the beginning of the 21st century."

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said the most important goal of macroeconomic control was to reverse the downward trend of economic growth.

Trying to find ways to better cope with international financial downturn, Jia visited companies, workshops, towns and villages of ethnic Zhuang and Yao during the trip.

The country should expand domestic demand, promote innovation and economic restructuring, as well as deepen its reform and opening up, and improve people's well-being, said Jia, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

He urged the local political advisory body to regard sustaining steady and rapid economic development and safeguarding social harmony and stability as their primary responsibilities.

(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2009)