Consumers to drive growth
Vice-Premier Li Keqiang said last night that China will seek to boost domestic consumption to drive forward its booming economy, acknowledging that exports alone for development were unsustainable. Li, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos said China would look to increase employment and income levels of its poorer people, hoping to unleash the huge potential of the Chinese consumers.

 
 Consumer confidence indicator goes further up in China
At the beginning of 2010, China's consumer confidence index (CCI) reached a record high over the past 30 months. It was the first CCI this year and was based on a survey of over 3,500 consumers in urban and rural areas across the country. The CCI rose 16 points over the past nine months to reach 104, according to the report. The increase is mainly attributed to consumers' confidence about employment and increasing incomes.

Wen heads 'super ministry' for energy
A government agency has been set up to take charge of the country's energy policy to better coordinate development strategies. Premier Wen Jiabao will head the agency, called the National Energy Commission (NEC), and Vice-Premier Li Keqiang will be the deputy. The commission will be responsible for drafting national energy development plans, reviewing energy security and coordinating international cooperation.
 
41 Shopping Centers to Open Within 2010
Taikoo Hui from Hong Kong, Aeon from Japan, Haiyin Group, the Guangzhou Friendship store, the Guangzhou Department Store and many other investors and international firms shall be opening 41 massive shopping centers ahead of the Asian Games hoping to get a slice of the huge profits generated during November's sporting event. The city also plans to build high-end commercial and trade establishments in Zhujiang New Town, Baiyun New Town, Panyu New Town, and Bai'etan.