(Yicai) March 1 -- Activity in China's manufacturing sector grew in February for the fourth consecutive month thanks to the sustained economic recovery and effects of various growth stabilizing policies, a widely-watched private survey showed.

The Caixin manufacturing purchasing managers' index came in at 50.9 last month, up 0.1 point from January, according to data released by financial media group Caixin today. The figure was 50.8 in January and December, 50.7 in November, and 49.5 in October. A reading above 50 indicates expansion.

The official manufacturing PMI, published today by the National Bureau of Statistics, fell 0.1 point to 49.1 in the period.

The Caixin manufacturing PMI has been in expansion territory for four months in a row for the first time since mid-2021, indicating an overall improvement in the economy, said Wang Zhe, senior economist at Caixin's think tank. However, the economy still faces significant challenges and pressure, with many unfavorable factors and uncertainties persisting, he noted.

The production, new order, and new export order sub-indexes rose in February from January, with the latter hitting a 12-month high. But the employment sub-index fell in the period, remaining in contraction territory and showing that the job market remains sluggish, with businesses maintaining a cautious approach to increasing employment.

Meanwhile, optimism continues to widen as the production and operation expectations sub-indexed soared to the highest since last May. Manufacturing entrepreneurs expect the global economy to fully recover next year, leading to increased domestic and external demands.

In the upcoming period, it is important to focus on the effectiveness of various policies implemented earlier, especially in ensuring people's livelihoods and improving expectations, Wang pointed out, adding that further efforts may be needed in policy implementation in these areas.

Editor: Futura Costaglione