(Yicai) Nov. 27 -- China intends to boost demand by cultivating a number of “consumption hotspots,” including autos, artificial intelligence, and elderly care, by 2027.

The country will nurture three CNY1 trillion (USD141.3 billion) and 10 CNY10 billion (USD1.4 billion) “consumption hotspots,” according to the 19-point action plan released yesterday by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and five other government departments. The plan also aims for a steady increase in consumption’s contribution to economic growth by 2030.

Under the new blueprint, products will be designed from day one to match diverse consumer needs, realizing a “two‑way approach” between supply and demand, MIIT Vice Minister Xie Yuansheng said at a policy briefing today.

The plan calls for enhanced AI integration and empowerment. The MIIT will drive AI adoption in consumer goods through product and scenario innovation, said He Yaqiong, director of its consumer goods industry department, noting that the ranks of China’s generative AI users had swelled to 515 million as of June 30.

“Consumption will no longer be about buying something, but subscribing to a way of life,” she pointed out.

Addressing the aging population trend, the plan emphasizes improving the supply of senior‑friendly products and services. 

The MIIT will work with other departments to step up research and development of elderly care service robots, senior-friendly shoes and clothing, easy-to-swallow foods, and other products, He said, adding that it will also push the adaptation of internet apps and smart devices for seniors.

In addition, the ministry is working to build a standards system for elder-use products and exploring a “silver age” certification to label qualified products as trustworthy, she noted.

Regarding spending on big-ticket items, the Ministry of Commerce will pilot auto consumption reforms, focusing on expanding demand in aftermarket services such as vehicle modification, leasing, motorsport events, and recreational vehicle camping to stimulate consumption across the entire auto value chain, said Yang Nie, head of the ministry's market operation and consumption promotion department.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism will bring out a “refund at purchase” duty‑free rebate for overseas tourists when departing China to encourage more international visitors to shop in the country, noted Miao Muyang, director of the ministry's industry development department. 

The State Administration for Market Regulation will continue to strictly investigate shoddy and counterfeit products and build a solid defense line for the quality and safety of consumer goods throughout the entire chain, said Ji Xiaoling, an official at the watchdog.

Editor: Martin Kadiev