More measures to spur consumption and foreign trade

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-24 20:02

BEIJING -- More measures will be taken to stimulate consumption and support foreign trade, according to Wednesday's executive meeting of China's State Council, or the cabinet.

A document released after the meeting, chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao, said to stimulate domestic consumption, efforts should be made to improve the rural circulation network, increase varieties of commodities available in rural markets, improve urban community service-facilities, promote upgrade of durable goods, support development of circulation companies, stimulate consumption in holidays and through exhibitions, and step up supervision over product quality and safety.

In the fiscal year of 2009, the central government would increase its financial support for development of the rural circulation network and the service industry.

To sustain a stable growth in the country's foreign trade, the central government would raise export tax rebates of high-tech and high-value-added products, adjust the forbidden and limited commodity catalogue of processing trade, encourage a transfer of processing trade from the eastern to the central and western region.

The government would also urge banks to improve services for foreign traders, increase imports of products needed, direct foreign funds to high-tech, energy-saving and modern service industries, simplify customs procedures and keep a close eye on the quality and safety of both imported and exported products.