China likely to overtake Germany as world's largest exporter in 2009: official

BEIJING, Dec. 27 -- China is likely to replace Germany to be the world's largest exporter in 2009, said a senior Chinese commerce official.

Zhong Shan, vice minister of Ministry of Commerce (MOC), made the forecast during an economic forum held at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing on Sunday.

Zhong said 2009 has been the most difficult year for China's foreign trade, featuring weak demand on the international market and rising trade protectionism.