China targets industrial output growth of around 9.5 pct in 2014
BEIJING (Reuters) - China aims for around 9.5 pct annual growth in industrial output in 2014, the industry ministry said on Tuesday, supporting the view that Beijing may stick with its economic growth target this year.
China's industrial output rose an annual 9.7 percent in 2013, when the economy expanded 7.7 percent - just ahead of the official target of 7.5 percent.
Analysts at top think-tanks have said the government is likely will stick with a 7.5 percent target this year, indicating the leadership is still keen to keep the economy on an even keel as they push reforms.
The government is expected to announce its 2014 growth target at the annual parliament meeting next month.
The ministry said in a statement that it targets an 8 percent rise in revenues in telecommunications and 20 percent revenue rise of software and information technology services.
China will take steps to resolve serious industrial overcapacity and encourage mergers and acquisitions to help eliminate outdated factories, the ministry said.
Meanwhile, China will continue to develop new strategic industries, support the development of e-commerce and experiment with "smart cities", it said.
(Reporting by Kevin Yao; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
