Services to give economy long-term boost

Restructuring and upgrading also expected to offset slow growth

The Chinese economy carried on with its restructuring and upgrading in the first quarter of the year despite the slowest expansion in 18 months, a highlight amid pessimistic data which is expected to offset further downward pressure on growth over the long term.

Although observers see uncertainty in future gross domestic product growth following the 7.4 percent figure reported on Wednesday, there are remarkable figures on the service sector and consumption side which bring some comfort.