DHAKA: China’s economic growth could slow to 7.1 percent in 2015 from an expected 7.4 percent this year, held back by a sagging property sector.

China central bank said in research report seen by the media on Sunday, reports The Straits Times.

Stronger global demand could boost exports, but not by enough to counteract the impact from weakening property investment, according to the report published on the central bank's website, www.pbc.gov.cn.

China’s exports are likely to grow 6.9 percent in 2015, quickening from this year’s 6.1 percent rise, while import growth is seen accelerating to 5.1 percent in 2015 from this year’s 1.9 percent, it said.

The report warned that the Federal Reserve’s expected move to raise interest rates sometime next year could hit emerging-market economies.

BDST: 1801 HRS, DEC 14, 2014