china last updated august 2006 background the people s republic of is world most populous country and second largest energy consumer behind united states rising oil demand imports have made a significant factor in markets has rapidly growing economy real gross domestic product gdp estimated to grown at 9 percent 2005 down slightly from 2004 rate 10 1 economic forecasts remain strong for with expected increase inflows foreign direct investment fdi into totaled 86 billion new record roughly double level 2001 merchandise trade surplus soared 102 its ever three times larger than figure together growth surging eia that consumption will by almost half million barrels per day or 38 total third
