SINGAPORE, April 14 (Reuters) - Singapore’s economy unexpectedly rose in the first quarter from a year earlier, helped by strong manufacturing activity, preliminary data showed on Wednesday. Gross domestic product (GDP) was up 0.2% in January-March on a year-on-year basis, the Ministry of Trade and Industry said in a statement. Economists polled by Reuters had expected a decline of 0.2%. GDP grew 2% on a quarter-on-quarter seasonally adjusted basis in January-March. Singapore, which has brought its local virus situation under control and is rolling out vaccinations, is on a gradual recovery path after its worst ever recession last year. But analysts say external demand and reopening of international borders is key to growth. (Reporting by Chen Lin; Editing by Sam Holmes)