China Unveils Plan to Boost Consumption in Smaller Cities

China is stepping up efforts to unlock consumer spending in its smaller cities and counties, betting that lower-tier markets can provide fresh momentum as consumption in the country’s biggest cities matures.

The Ministry of Commerce and eight other government agencies on Tuesday unveiled 18 measures aimed at stimulating consumption in county-level markets, ranging from upgrading shopping centers and expanding chain stores to creating jobs and encouraging entrepreneurship. The measures focus heavily on improving the supply of goods and services rather than directly subsidizing consumers.