China allocates 2 bln yuan to support 15 cities boost int'l consumption

China's Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Finance have allocated two billion yuan (about 293.47 million U.S. dollars) to support 15 pilot cities in building an internationalized consumption environment that provides convenience and comfort for overseas visitors.

The 15 pilot cities, including Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, all boast strong consumption growth potential and typically receive large numbers of overseas visitors.

The funds are expected to encourage the pilot cities to renovate and upgrade key shopping hubs, diversify consumption scenarios, promote tax refunds for international visitors, optimize payment services, and improve multilingual services in hotspot areas such as scenic areas, hotels, airports and railway stations.

China allocates 2 bln yuan to support 15 cities boost int'l consumption

Chinese President Xi Jinping and visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin shook hands inside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday before their talks.

At the invitation of Xi, Putin is on a state visit from Tuesday to Wednesday, with this marking his 25th visit to China.

The two presidents will exchange views on bilateral relations, cooperation in various fields, as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest, according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Xi, Putin shake hands prior to talks