Fixed-asset investment may rise 9%

Fixed-asset investment is expected to expand by 9 percent in 2017, according to the draft plan for national economic and social development released on Sunday.

Fixed-asset investment in 2016 reached 60 trillion yuan, official data showed.

The central government plans to invest 507.6 billion yuan ($73.5 billion) in infrastructure projects and public services alone this year, according to the draft plan.

The draft plan also said China would boost the private sector by further easing restrictions on private investments in key industries, including telecommunications, oil and gas exploration and exploitation, and defense-related science and technology.

Investment in public programs has been one of China's ways to sustain its GDP growth.