China 2001 growth rate seen at 7.3 pct: World Bank

BEIJING (AFX-ASIA) - The World Bank expects China's growth rate to slow to 7.3 pct this year, down from 8 pct last year, as the global economic slowdown takes its toll on exports.	    World Bank economist Masahiro Kawai said the global market trend is less favourable this year and a downturn in external demand will lead to a drop in Chinese exports.	    The bank expects China's export growth rate to slow to 10-12 pct this year, down from 28 pct last year.	    Electronics and IT-related products are being worst hit by the U.S. slowdown.	    The share of these in China's total exports is not as high as in many other countries in the region, so it will not be as badly affected as countries such as Malaysia and South Korea, Mr Kawai said.	    However, the slowdown in the economic growth rate in the countries China trades with is putting downward pressure on exports, he said.	    Exports of IT-related products have already fallen 10 pct this year. Textiles and garments, toys, a major export sector, and sports equipment and sports goods have also been affected in the last two months.	    This has been particularly noticeable in Guangdong.	    Asked about the impact of China's accession to the WTO on the country's growth rate, Mr Kawai said it was difficult to quantify the impact at present. However, the bank does expect the trend growth rate will be "slightly higher" than it would be without WTO accession 

Related stock : (NIL)