BEIJING, April 1 Reuters China39;s manufacturing activity expanded at the fastest pace in 13 months in March, with business confidence hitting an 11month high, driven by growing new orders from customers at home and abroad, a private survey showed on Monday.

The CaixinSP Global manufacturing PMI rose to 51.1 in March from 50.9 the previous month, above analysts39; forecasts of 51.0 and marking an expansion for the fifth consecutive month. The 50point mark separates growth from contraction.

The upbeat results followed recent betterthanexpected export and retail sales data, suggesting a bright start to the year for the world39;s secondbiggest economy.

Citi last week raised its forecast for China39;s 2024 growth to 5.0 from 4.6, citing recent positive data and policy delivery.

Premier Li Qiang announced an ambitious 2024 economic growth target of around 5 at the annual meeting of China39;s parliament in March.

But analysts say policymakers will need to roll out more stimulus to hit that target as they will not be able to count on the weak statistical base of 2022 which flattered 2023 growth data. Moreover, a deep slump in the property sector remains a major drag on activity.

Expansion in manufacturers39; output and new orders accelerated last month, the PMI survey showed. External demand also picked up, pushing the gauge for new export orders to its highest level since February 2023.

Businesses39; confidence towards the yearahead rose to its highest point since April…