Recovery likely to gain a firmer footing, experts say

China's economic recovery is expected to gain a firmer footing in the remainder of the year, as policymakers are poised to roll out a package of stimulus measures aimed at stabilizing growth and deepening structural reforms in the second half, analysts said on Wednesday.

They said the focus will be placed on defusing local government debt risks, expanding domestic demand and stabilizing the real estate sector, which will help to significantly boost confidence among investors, consumers and businesses.

Their comments came as official data released on Wednesday showed a mixed picture of the economy, with China's factory activity shrinking for the third consecutive month in July and the nonmanufacturing sector expanding at a slower pace.