Beijing

CHINA'S real estate investment rose 6.9 per cent in 2016, official data showed on Friday, as national sales posted their strongest annual growth in seven years thanks to a furious property boom in top-tier cities.

Real estate investment, which directly affects about 40 other business sectors in China, is considered to be a crucial driver for the economy. China's economy expanded 6.7 per cent in 2016, meeting expectations, official data showed on Friday.