Mainland Unveils Steps To Boost Car, Gadget Sales

The mainland has unveiled a flurry of measures aimed at spurring sales of items ranging from cars and appliances to 5G services, after the country's economy grew at its slowest pace in nearly 30 years.

In a statement on its website, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said restrictions will be lifted on the second-hand car market, and "appropriate" subsidies will be provided to boost rural sales of some vehicles and purchases of new energy vehicles.

The state planner did not give details of the subsidies, which it said that central and regional governments will set.

For the first time since the 1990s, car sales in the mainland – the world's biggest car market – shrank last year, as China grapples with a slowing economy and fallout from trade frictions with the United States.

Beyond cars, the NDRC also said it would accelerate the launch of commercial licences for 5G, the next generation wireless technology that promises to link everything from vehicles to household devices at far greater speeds.

It said it will support the sales of green and smart home appliances, adding regional governments should consider consumer subsidies for such products that would have an obvious impact on driving growth and reducing emission.

The mainland has pledged to speed up the commercial use of 5G technology this year and become a manufacturing powerhouse. (Reuters)