Stimulus measures to support virus-hit economy
China's cabinet announced a package of 33 measures covering fiscal, financial, investment and industrial policies on Tuesday to revive its pandemic-ravaged economy, adding it will inspect how provincial governments implement them. The stimulus package, which was flagged by the State Council in a routine meeting last week, underscores Beijing's shift toward growth, after Covid-19 control measures pounded the economy and threaten Beijing's 5.5 percent growth target for the year. To revive investment and consumption, the government ordered localities not to expand curbs on auto purchases and said those which already have curbs in place should gradually increase their quotas on car ownership. The Ministry of Finance also said on Tuesday that it would halve the purchase tax for small-engined cars. China will promote healthy development of platform companies, which are expected to play a role in stabilising jobs, the State Council said. Platform companies are also encouraged to make breakthroughs in areas including cloud computing, artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies. China will also expand private investment, accelerate infrastructure construction and stimulate purchases of cars and home appliances to stabilise investments, according to the measures. In terms of monetary and financial policies, China will boost financing efficiency via capital markets, by supporting domestic firms to list in Hong Kong, and promote offshore listings by qualified platform companies.  The State Council also vowed to further reduce real borrowing costs, and strengthen financial support for infrastructure and major projects. (Reuters)