China's Commerce Minister Lu Fuyuan expects the country's total trade volume to exceed $800 billion in 2003 and actual foreign direct investment to surpass $50 billion.

In an interview published in the People's Daily, Lu also said he expects the value of imports to China this year to exceed $400 billion.

Lu predicted China's gross domestic product will grow around 7% in 2004, which is in line with the average annual growth rate required to achieve the targets contained in the country's current five-year plan.

China is expected to issue its preliminary 2003 economic results including trade, foreign direct investment and GDP on Jan. 20.

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