China's industrial competitiveness will remain strong in 2013 despite it facing increasing production costs and competition from developing nations in labor-intensive sectors, according to a blue book released on Monday.

The blue book, published by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a government think tank, says China's industrial competitiveness will keep rising, thanks to its abundant labor force and a well-built industrial network.

Entitled "Annual Report Industrial Competitiveness of China (2013)," the book says that because of a relatively stable global market, the country will be able to secure its export growth.

There is little chance of developed economies slumping, the momentum of economic growth in developing countries will remain, and southeast Asia and Africa will grow relatively fast, it adds.

However, it points out, 18 Chinese industries have seen their competitiveness declining in recent years amid the country's economic restructuring. They are mostly energy-intensive and highly polluting sectors, or related to agricultural products and natural resources.

Meanwhile, 26 Chinese industries have become more competitive. They are mostly in the mechanical equipment sector and chemical industry.

(Xinhua News Agency May 20, 2013)