CHINA’S industrial output growth accelerated to a three month high in September, while fixed asset investment growth continued to decline, falling to the slowest pace since December 1999.

Strong factory output and solid retail sales growth helped China’s economy meet expectations for 6.8 percent economic growth in the third quarter, though a continued trend of weaker investment growth could raise concerns about growth going forward.

Industrial output rose 6.6 percent in September from a year earlier, beating expectations for 6.2 percent growth and up from 6 percent in August, data showed Thursday.

Communication equipment output posted the biggest acceleration in growth in September, rising to 16.3 percent year on year from 13 percent in August.

But the government has also ordered some steel mills and factories in northern areas to cut back or halt production in coming months to reduce choking winter air pollution, which some analysts have said could hit the industrial sector.

Fixed asset investment expanded 7.5 percent in the first nine months of the year, missing forecasts for 7.7 percent growth, and marking the slowest rate of growth since a 6.3 percent reading in December 1999, according to calculations.

Investment growth has slowed in recent years amid efforts by authorities to move away from investment-driven economic growth.

But private sector fixed-asset investment continues to lag State spending, slowing to 6 percent growth for the January-September period, compared with 11 percent growth in investment by State firms. Private investment rose 6.4 percent in the previous period.

Retail sales rose 10.3 percent in September year on year, beating expectations and indicating consumption continues to hold up well. Retail sales growth has hovered in the 10 to 11 percent range for the last two years.

Analysts had expected sales to rise 10.2 percent, slightly more than in August. (SD-Agencies)