China's State Council approved the Plan to Expand Consumption (15th Five-Year).
It calls to expand inbound consumption by steadily widening the list of
visa-free countries and further optimizing transit visa-free arrangements, and
to add international air routes with priority for more direct flights to Europe,
the US and Belt and Road partner countries. The plan directs upgrades to
international services in public venues, an improved payment environment for
inbound spending, and faster processing for customs, accommodation registration,
transport, telecom and attraction reservations. It seeks to liberalize departure
tax-refund procedures, increase tax-free shops and promote
buy-now-refund-on-the-spot services, encourage more domestic brands in port and
city duty-free shops, and develop high-recognition consumer brands, cultural
landmarks, experiential events and internationally oriented education,
healthcare and MICE markets.
