Beijing, July 22 (IANS): China's industrial sector still faces considerable downward pressure although positive signs have emerged due to government support policies, authorities said on Wednesday.

"Some regions, industries and businesses are facing increasing difficulties, and strong efforts are needed to stabilize and improve industrial operations," Xinhua quoted Ministry of Industry and Information Technology spokesman Zhang Feng as saying.

The comments came after data showed China's industrial output grew 6.3 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2015, slightly down from a 6.4-percent increase in the first quarter.

In an encouraging sign, the growth rate has gradually recovered from 5.6 percent in March, the lowest level since the global financial crisis in 2008, authorities said.

China's economy posted a better-than-expected year-on-year growth of 7 percent in the second quarter of 2015, unchanged from the first quarter.