MNI POLICY: China To Push Consumption As Growth Driver

     BEIJING (MNI) - China will boost consumption and diversify export markets

to help support domestic growth, officials at the Ministry of Commerce told

reporters Tuesday.

     Here are the highlights:

     -- China consumption may further slow this year as trade disputes and

global risks persist, while pressures on the consumer increase. However, the

sector remains a key driver for future growth and MOFCOM said a series of new

policies would help underpin demand.

     -- The 1.2-percentage-point drop in retail sales growth last year was

temporary, with the decline largely due to cooling vehicle and property-related

sales, MOFCOM said.

     -- January's trade data, scheduled for release Thursday, will show

continued growth, MOFCOM said. A recovering global economy and domestic policy

initiatives (further opening up of the economy, stabilizing trade, industrial

upgrade) will help support trade this year.

     -- China will optimize its international markets, innovate trade of

processed goods, expand exports and enhance imports to support trade growth, the

MOFCOM spokesperson said. 

     - When asked on certain Chinese overseas investments currently under closer

scrutiny by host nations, MOFCOM noted increased security concerns, and urged

these countries to adopt an "open and inclusive attitude" and create a fair and

transparent business environment for investors.

--MNI Beijing Bureau; +86 10 8532 5998; email: william.bi@mni-news.com

--MNI Beijing Bureau; +86 (10) 8532-5998; email: iris.ouyang@marketnews.com

--MNI London Bureau; tel: +44 203-586-2225; email: les.commons@marketnews.com

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