Investment in manufacturing sector witnessed stable growth in the first five months, which will play a role keeping the economy afloat, according to data of the nation's top economic regulator on Thursday.

From January to May period, investment in manufacturing sector increased by 5.2 percent year-on-year, up by 0.4 percent compared to the first four months, according to data from the National Development and Reform Commission.

Investment in high-tech manufacturing went up by 9.7 percent during the first five months, which was 4.5 percentage points higher than the overall growth pace of investment in the sector, data showed.

In the first five months, private investment in manufacturing sector increased by 6.1 percent year-on-year, the highest level in two years, according to the commission.