Global manufacturing activity recovery remained weak in September, as the global manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) declined slightly from the previous month, according to the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing on Sunday.
The global manufacturing PMI stood at 48.8 percent in September, down 0.1 percentage point from the previous month, staying around 49 percent for three consecutive months, according to data released by the federation.
A reading above 50 percent indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 reflects contraction.
By regions, Asia's manufacturing PMI was 50.7 percent in September, ending a trend of decline for two months in a row, with a slight increase of 0.1 percentage point from the previous month. The figure has remained above 50 percent for nine consecutive months.
The figure for Africa was 50.3 percent, up 1.9 percentage points from August.
Europe's manufacturing sector showed a downward trend in September, with the PMI falling 0.7 percentage points from the previous month to 47.3 percent.
The PMI for Americas was 47.8 percent in the month, an increase of 0.2 percentage points. However, as it has been running below 48 percent for three months in a row, the PMI figure shows that the manufacturing industry in the Americas remains weak.
Overall, the changes in the composite index indicate a slight decline in the recovery of the global manufacturing sector compared with August, and the overall recovery momentum still needs to be further strengthened.
Driven by the recovery of the Chinese economy, the manufacturing sector in Asia continues to serve as a stabilizer for global economic recovery.
Experts said that looking ahead to the fourth quarter, major countries around the world still have room and reasons to continue with accommodative monetary policies, while fiscal policies are also expected to continue their momentum, suggesting that the global economy is likely to further recover.
Global economic recovery remains weak as manufacturing PMI declines slightly
A remote village on China's southwestern border, where many residents only became Chinese citizens two decades ago, has been dramatically transformed by government-backed tourism initiatives and modern infrastructure development.
Daman Village, nestling in the mountains of Gelong Town in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few years. What's so special about this village is that out of its 89 households, 57 were officially granted Chinese citizenship in 2003. Now, thanks to significant government investment, the village is becoming a burgeoning tourist destination.
The newly completed mountain-view guesthouses, which represent one of the key government-funded projects, offer breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks draped in mist from their balcony.
"The total investment so far has exceeded 60 million yuan (about 8.55 million U.S. dollars). We're also constructing a tourist reception center and renovating many homes into guesthouses. This project marks the largest one we've undertaken since the villagers became Chinese citizens 20 years ago. It will not only boost local employment but also significantly increase incomes," said Kunchok Dorjee, Party Secretary of Chongdui Village, which administers Daman Village.
This sum of money represents the largest government investment in Daman Village since its formal establishment. Beyond tourism, the funding has been used to rebuild the homes of all 89 families.
Daman, meaning "cavalry" in Tibetan, traces its roots back to Gurkha soldiers native to ancient Nepal who, after allegedly losing a battle with the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) forces, became separated from their main army and remained stranded along the border.
For generations, their descendants roamed the borderlands between China, Nepal and India, without nationality or official status. Their long journey as a stateless people finally ended in 2003 when the Chinese government granted them citizenship, classifying them as Tibetan.
Xu Hongbin, originally from Chengdu City of southwest China's Sichuan Province, married a local woman from Daman Village. Reflecting on his first visit to the area a decade ago, Xu marveled at the changes the village has experienced in such a short period.
"A decade ago, there was only one road into the town. Now there are at least four. Everywhere you look, there are new buildings, guesthouses and restaurants. The development has been incredibly fast," he said.
Tourism fuels transformation in border village as residents mark 20 years of citizenship
