BEIJING - CHINA'S huge stimulus package is expected to contribute at least 1.5 per cent to the nation's economic growth this year, a top official said on Sunday, as the Asian giant continues to fight the crisis.

Zhang Yutai, head of the development research centre of the State Council, or cabinet, said the four-trillion-yuan (S$888-billion) package could contribute 1.5 to 1.9 per cent to China's growth, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

The figure was a preliminary assessment, Mr Zhang was quoted as saying.

The stimulus package was unveiled in November in a bid to fight the impact of the global financial crisis.

China has set an economic growth target of about 8.0 per cent this year, a level that the government says it needs in order to keep unemployment at a manageable level.

However, just over a week ago, Premier Wen Jiabao admitted this target would be difficult to achieve.

On Wednesday, the World Bank slashed China's economic growth forecast to 6.5 per cent in 2009. -- AFP