China rolls out consumption-boosting measures

BEIJING -- China 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, the central government said on Monday.

Outlining a number of measures aimed at encouraging consumption and stabilizing the struggling economy, the government said China will start to import more advanced equipment and daily consumer goods.

It promised to support the development of "emerging industries with strategic importance," a category including energy conservation and environmental protection, next-generation information technology, and new energy vehicles.

The announcement also specified 3D printing, robotics, gene engineering, wearable devices, smart home appliances, and digital media as targets for development.