by XIN Yuan

China has announced 19 measures to spur service spending, underscoring its push to shift growth from manufacturing to consumption as demand weakens. The package, released by the Ministry of Commerce and eight other agencies on Sept.16, highlights tourism, healthcare, sports and digital services, sectors seen as holding fresh opportunities for private and foreign investors.

The plan calls for test cities to pilot new consumption models, wider market access in telecoms, healthcare and education, and the inclusion of more service industries in the Catalogue of Industries for Encouraged Foreign Investment. Authorities also pledge to expand visa-free entry, issue more five-year multiple-entry visas, and improve telecom, lodging and payment systems for foreign visitors to revive inbound tourism.

Digital services are another focus, with support for online-offline retail integration and pilot programs applying artificial intelligence to consumer services. Financial institutions are urged to extend credit and design tailored products for service firms.

LIU Shijin, a senior policy adviser, said China's service share of GDP remains structurally low and called for long-term reforms to boost demand among low-income households, particularly in education, healthcare, affordable housing and social security. Analysts added easier market access and tools such as tax relief and vouchers could also help stimulate spending.