(ECNS) - Investment in manufacturing maintained its momentum to grow 5.2 percent in the first five months, up from 4.8 percent for January-April, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Thursday.
Mao Shengyong, spokesperson of the NBS, said although investment growth in the past two consecutive months is upbeat, it is still low.
Mao said the manufacturing sector attracted more investment mainly due to increasing consumption demand, with total retail sales of consumer goods rising 9.5 percent in the first five months.
Profits at industrial enterprises above the designated size surged by 15 percent for January to April, providing funding sources for investment, is was added.
Among the factors driving growth are a series of policies and measures by the central government such as reductions in taxes and fees.
Mao also said that China will optimize its market environment and in particular implement various policies and measures for developing small and medium-sized enterprises.
