CHINA said yesterday it will increase imports, make it easier for overseas shoppers to get tax refunds and allow foreigners to visit more of the country for 72 hours without visas.

    In a comprehensive statement on its website, the State Council outlined plans to increase economic activity across a wide range of sectors in the world’s second-largest economy.

    China is looking to give both international and domestic investors increased access to the country in a bid to promote consumption. The statement follows the CPC’s October plenum, which outlined the country’s broad strategic objectives for the next five years.

    The State Council said in the statement it is seeking to “eliminate all kinds of conspicuous and hidden administrative monopolies, strengthen anti-monopoly laws” in an attempt to remove protectionist policies between various provinces.

    It also said China will start to import more advanced equipment and daily consumer goods, and attract international consumers by hosting shopping festivals, film festivals, fashion weeks and book fairs.

    The Ministry of Commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the State Administration for Industry and Commerce said in September that they would widen market access for foreign firms.

    Additionally, the State Council said it would accelerate reform of the country’s residence registration, or “hukou,” system to unleash the spending potential of the rural population. Rural residents will be supported in buying their own homes and small- and medium-sized cities will be encouraged to implement tailored policies favorable to them. All Chinese residents have a hukou that determines their access to education and other social welfare services.

    University graduates who chose to settle in provincial capitals and smaller cities would be granted local residence registration, the document said.

    The government also pledged to improve Internet infrastructure and e-commerce logistics of the “last mile” — the final portion of a package’s journey from a retailer’s warehouse or store to the customer’s front door.(SD-Xinhua)