The data shows that the value-added industrial output of major companies in the sector rose 13.8 percent year on year during the period.

The combined operating revenues of the sector's major firms rose 8.5 percent year on year to 5.95 trillion yuan ($834.88 billion), and the combined profits of these companies increased 56.8 percent to 194.6 billion yuan.

Fixed-asset investment in the sector increased 14.8 percent year on year in the same period, according to the data.

Major companies in the sector are those with a main annual business revenue of at least 20 million yuan.