Market access measures to boost consumption

The State Council has unveiled a plan to unleash the potential of consumption with measures to further widen market access to several service sectors.

The plan, released by the State Council General Office on Thursday, maps out ways to remove barriers hindering consumption and further refine the policy system to promote the structural upgrading of consumption.

Market access for sectors such as tourism, culture, sports, health, eldercare and education will be widened to encourage public consumption, it said.

Business restrictions on tourism agencies established through joint ventures will be relaxed, and a development plan for yacht tourism will be rolled out, according to the plan.

The policy system will also be improved to boost development of the home rental market, promote the upgrading of vehicle consumption and spur green consumption.

The consumption on information technology will also receive greater support, with more policies set to be rolled out to support the consumption upgrading of wearable devices, drones and smart service robots, the plan said.

The development of traditional trade and business models will be encouraged, and eligible cities will receive support to develop a number of high-end pedestrian streets in line with international standards.

The government will work to build influential Chinese brands in key industries, the plan said, adding that efforts will be made to create a better credit system and further reform income tax and income distribution.