Highlights of news conference of the Ministry of Commerce

Govt to roll out policies to boost social consumption

Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan said a slew of measures will be taken this year to boost China's social consumption, such as improving urban consumption, to promote consumption upgrades, expand rural consumption, and develop service consumption while optimizing service supply.

The country will upgrade a number of pedestrian streets, optimize the layout of convenience stores, and encourage brand development and franchising.

The country will promote "selling agricultural products to the cities, while selling industrial products to the countryside".