China unveils measures to boost county-level consumption

China on Tuesday unveiled a set of measures to further stimulate consumption in lower-tier markets and invigorate county-level consumer spending, according to a guideline jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce and eight other government departments.

The guideline calls for upgrading consumption channels in counties, including renovating township commercial centers, rural markets and local fairs, attracting domestic and international brands to open regional debut stores, and encouraging the redevelopment of existing land resources.

To foster new business models, it supports eligible chain businesses and individual merchants in operating multiple outlets under a single business license within the same county, while promoting popular domestic brands in county markets and developing consumption chains integrating the primary, secondary and tertiary industries. ■