Bond rules eased for 'key' investment sectors

Regulators have simplified the requirements for bonds issued to finance clean energy projects, as well as those in senior care, underground pipelines and other emerging sectors, as the government attempts to bolster investment amid a flagging economy.

In documents released on Thursday, the National Development and Reform Commission, the top economic planner and regulator of State-owned enterprises' bond issues, said that it will streamline the process of approving such issues.

The sectors involved in the new announcement include the seven "key investment sectors" identified by the NDRC in December: Internet infrastructure, health and senior-care services, environmental protection, clean energy, food and water, transportation and ancillary services for oil, natural gas and mining.