CHINA yesterday unveiled a package of 33 measures covering fiscal, financial, investment and industrial policies to revive a pandemic-ravaged economy. The stimulus package, which was flagged by the State Council in a routine meeting last week, underscores China’s shift toward growth, as the fallout of COVID-19 continues to weigh on the world’s second-largest economy. To revive investment and consumption, China will promote healthy development of platform companies, which are expected to play a role in stabilizing jobs, according to the measures. Platform companies are also encouraged to make breakthroughs in areas including cloud computing, artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies, the State Council said. China will also expand private investment, accelerate infrastructure construction and stimulate purchases of cars and home appliances to stabilize investments, according to the measures. In terms of monetary and financial policies, China will boost financing efficiency via capital markets, by supporting firms to list in Hong Kong, and promote offshore listings by qualified platform companies. The State Council also vowed to further reduce real borrowing costs, and strengthen financial support for infrastructure and major projects. To enhance fiscal support to the economy, China will accelerate local government special bond issuance and cash support for firms that hire college graduates. Authorities will also provide tax credit rebates to more sectors and allow firms in industries hit hard by COVID-19 curbs to defer social security payments, the State Council said. Other measures include policies to ensure energy and food security, and stabilize supply chains. (SD-Agencies) | 