Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao warned that Chinese economy still faced challenges given the uncertainty in the outside and unbalanced development inside the country. But he expressed confidence China will overcome the challenges.

"The economic situation at home and abroad remains complex, with increased uncertainty in the international market," Wen said when presiding over?five symposiums from Jan. 22 to Feb. 1 to solicit opinions on the government's work report, which will be submitted at the upcoming annual session of the National People's Congress.

"There are still problems of imbalances and unsustainable development in China's economy," he said, adding that the country should be aware of and prepared for the coming challenges.

The Premier said China will maintain stable macroeconomic policies but also improve their flexibility. The goals of this year's macroeconomic policy?are to balance economic growth, adjust the economic structure and manage inflation expectations, he said.

China beat the global financial crisis with a democratic and scientific approach to decision making, borrowing from experts' wisdom and taking into account citizens' concerns, he said.

This year the government will work harder to realize a democratic and scientific style of decision making, he added.

"We are confident and capable of integrating the wisdom and efforts of experts and fully exploiting the advantages we have," he said.

Representatives from non-communist parties, science and technology, education, health, culture, sports and business circles, experts in economic and social fields, as well as workers, farmers and students representatives attended the symposiums.

When meeting with representatives of scientists, teachers, doctors, sports coaches and movie directors on Jan. 26, Wen said he would have the government work report revised according to their opinions, and would lead the government to do a better job in the future.

On Monday, Wen talked with representatives of the country's technicians, retirees, farmers, college students and doctors in the rural areas. Wen said as representatives from grassroots, they know the best about the country's real situation, and have the final say in whether a policy is good and effective or not.

This year's government work report will unite the people and raise their confidence, Wen said.

"The world economy is expecting a new round of growth after the economic crisis. We should seize the opportunity and build on the positive momentum of the Chinese economy."

China's economy expanded 8.7 percent in 2009 from a year earlier, exceeding the government's annual growth target of 8 percent. But experts have expressed concern about a rise in inflation.