July 02, 2008 22:35 ET (02:35 GMT), BEIJING (Dow Jones)--China's gold imports this year will rise sharply from last year tracking a strong growth in bullion buying by individuals, Shen Xiangrong, chairman of the Shanghai Gold Exchange, said Thursday.

Shen didn't give a forecast for the exact number, but said the total imports are estimated to account for 7% of the domestic demand for the whole year.

China's total gold demand is likely to grow by 20% in 2008, he said in a forum.

-Zheng Xiaolu contributed to this article; Dow Jones Newswires; (86-10) 6588-5848; tracy.zheng@dowjones.com