The government upgraded its view of the economy for the first time in four months in April as authorities turned more optimistic about the outlook for private consumption following the end of COVID-19 curbs, the monthly economic report showed on Thursday.
However, private sector analysts have said the outlook is still clouded by challenges including a relentless surge in raw material and energy prices, which could further delay the world's third-largest economy's recovery from the pandemic.
"The economy appears to be picking up as the severe situation due to COVID-19 is easing," the government said in its April report, removing a reference to "some weaknesses in recovery" in the March issue.