BEIJING: China's central bank governor said Thursday that 2010 would be a key year in the nation's battle to overcome the financial crisis and pledged a relaxed credit policy to boost economic recovery. "To handle financial macro-economic adjustments well will be of great importance in effectively warding off the attacks of the global financial crisis and solidifying the basis of economic recovery," Zhou Xiaochuan said.

In the coming year, the People's Bank of China will maintain its moderately easy monetary policy, but will also make its policy more flexible, he said in a New Year's message to bank employees posted on the central bank's website.

In 2010, more credit supports would be channeled toward job creation, strategic emerging industries and towards the upgrading of industries, he said.

The bank will also offer financial support to areas of the economy that promote the expansion of domestic demand, aid the agricultural sector and help China move towards sustainable development, he said.

"2010 will be a key year to solidify the economic recovery and overcome the international financial crisis," Zhou said.