Business professionals in China have a positive outlook on the nation's economy and are bullish about growth in 2016, according to a survey released by a global accounting organization on Tuesday.

The China Economic Sentiment Survey by CPA Australia shows that 41.8 percent of the 204 accountants and business executives expect a GDP growth between 6.5 to 6.9 percent in 2016, while 36.5 percent think the GDP may decline to less than 6.5 percent.

According to the study, about 55 percent of the respondents expect their business revenue in China to increase in 2016, and 48 percent of them plan to hire more people in the country next year.

"Despite the concerns on China's economic slowdown, the results indicate that people in China increasingly understand the 'new normal' with regards to economic growth and still see it as a positive with significant new opportunities emerging, particularly for companies that are focused on innovation, quality and overseas expansion," the survey said.

Kevin Ng, North China Committee President of CPA Australia, said at a news conference in Beijing that "New market opportunities were fueling optimism, as the government appears to be genuinely committed to making a serious and sustained contribution to creating a culture of innovation in China."

Meanwhile, the Belt and Road Initiative is expected to boost development of vital export infrastructure like roads, rail and ports both in the country and in the emerging markets along the routes.

Peter Kung, vice-chairman of KPMG China, said: "The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, which will take effect since Dec 20, is also important in the next year, and it will create significant opportunities for business in both countries."

chenjia1@chinadaily.com.cn