The undated photo shows the headquarter of China's Central Bank, People's Bank of China. [Photo: cs.com.cn]

An economist from China Central Bank says they are optimistic that China will realize its goal of annual economic growth of around 7 percent.

The remarks come after the International Monetary Fund predicted China's economic growth rate could slow to 6.8 percent this year due to slower investment.

Economist Ma Jun calls the IMF forecast a bit cautious, saying that the Chinese economy will pick up in the second half of the year thanks to active fiscal and other supportive policies.

Among all measures, Ma Jun stresses the effect of China's housing policies and local governments' debt-swap programs.

Despite a possible slower growth, the IMF added in its Friday's report that the Chinese economy could transit to a more sustainable one, and pivots towards more labor-intensive service sector.