Economists say H1 GDP likely to top 5%

Despite pressures, 2024 goal within grasp on stimulus, output, demand

China's economy will likely expand by over 5 percent in the first half of this year amid strong policy stimulus, robust industrial production and stable external demand, providing a solid base for achieving its annual growth target of around 5 percent, economists said on Monday.

Looking into the second half of the year, they said the economy is on track for stable growth thanks to the strong manufacturing performance, resilience in exports and stepped-up macroeconomic policy support.

Meanwhile, they cautioned of the pressures from lackluster domestic demand and mounting external uncertainties, saying stronger fiscal stimulus measures will be key to tackling the issues faced by the economy and more efforts should be made to boost private investment, spur consumption and further stabilize the property market.