Economic recovery in spotlight at meeting

China will consolidate and expand its economic rebound, accelerate consumption recovery and stabilize foreign trade and investment, as determined at the State Council executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday.

Noting the continuing trend of economic recovery, the need to implement the decisions of the Central Economic Work Conference was stressed at the meeting, as well as the need to focus on ensuring stability in growth, employment and prices to keep economic performance within a proper range.

Solid steps will be taken to ensure effective implementation of the policy package for stabilizing the economy and its follow-up measures. Key projects and equipment upgrading and renovation supported by fiscal and financial policy tools will be advanced to generate more physical gains.

Policies to extend the duration of VAT relief for small-scale taxpayers and inclusive loans granted to micro and small businesses will be effectively implemented.

It is imperative to remain firmly committed to consolidating and developing the public sector, and to encouraging, supporting and guiding the development of the non-public sector, to protect the lawful rights and interests of private businesses and foster a market-oriented, world-class business environment governed by a sound legal framework. The platform economy will be supported in pursuing sustained and sound development.

The meeting underscored the need to facilitate a speedy reopening of businesses and production after the Spring Festival and to provide good services for migrant workers in returning to work or finding new jobs.

"We need to step up efforts to deliver on the policies for expanding consumption," Li said.

Noting the pressing challenge of lackluster demand, timely measures were urged at the meeting to promote an early recovery of consumption as the main economic driving force, steadfastly advance opening-up and stabilize and upgrade foreign trade and investment.

Consumption will be further boosted. Policies for supporting consumer service businesses and self-employed individuals and promoting the consumption of cars and other big-ticket items will be fully implemented. Various activities will be launched to stimulate consumption and facilitate the early recovery of contact-based service industries.

Consumer loans will be increased as appropriate. The policy toolkit will be harnessed following a city-specific approach to meet people's basic housing needs and the need for improved housing conditions and ensure the delivery of pre-sold homes.

"Boosting consumption is a key step to expand domestic demand. We need to restore the structural role of consumption in the economy," Li said. "The greatest potential of the Chinese economy lies in consumption by 1.4 billion people."

China's commitment to the basic national policy of opening-up was reaffirmed at the meeting and more concrete measures to stabilize foreign trade were called for. Efforts will be made to promote the resumption of in-person exhibitions at home, and support enterprises to participate in exhibitions overseas.

Policies concerning export rebate, credit loan and credit insurance, among others, will be earnestly implemented, and the RMB exchange rate will be kept generally stable at an adaptive, balanced level. Enterprises will be supported to further explore market opportunities by making full use of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Development of cross-border e-commerce and overseas warehouses will be further promoted. The competitiveness of foreign trade will be enhanced. Imports will be expanded as appropriate.

Active efforts will be made to attract foreign investment. The new Catalogue of Encouraged Industries for Foreign Investment will be put into effect at a faster pace. Local governments will be supported in attracting businesses and investment. The role of pilot free trade zones and other platforms will be better leveraged.

Facilitative measures on cross-border travel will be earnestly implemented. Sustained efforts will be made to improve services for foreign-invested enterprises, and to promote the earlier delivery of major projects.

"We must fully leverage our competitive advantages, improve our business environment and stabilize foreign trade and investment by opening wider to the world. Opening up is in China's fundamental interests," Li said.

The council urged relevant departments to make comprehensive plans in early February to promptly start spring plowing and farming preparations in order to lay a solid foundation for bolstering the food supply and stabilizing consumer prices.