Manufacturers strike upbeat note

Exporters gain as companies upgrade products, technology

Chinese manufacturers and exporters have turned bullish on the economic outlook and external demand, expressing willingness to expand output and investment as official data on Wednesday showed an improvement in the country's foreign trade.

Xinshen Group Co Ltd, a manufacturer of fine linen products based in Wujiang, Jiangsu province, is expected to increase its total output value by 5 to 10 percent this year from 500 million yuan ($77.3 million) last year, according to Li Jianfeng, its general manager.