Premier calls for integrated development of pedestrian streets, stores

The renovation and upgrade of pedestrian streets should go hand in hand with the "store economy", Premier Li Keqiang said at the State Council executive meeting on Dec 30.

At the meeting, pilot renovation programs were determined to renovate pedestrian streets in some cities.

As instructed by the Premier, policies should be better targeted to develop street stores to create more jobs while building popular pedestrian streets with distinctive local features and cultures.

Premier Li said the upgrading of pedestrian streets will promote new business patterns and improve consumer experiences, a good move to drive consumption, employment, and urban construction.

"The renovation, guided by local governments, should allow the market to play a major role and give the final say to consumers," Premier Li said.

The public should be encouraged to contribute wisdom to policymaking to ensure the program is profitable and sustainable, he added.

He also urged more efforts to improve the business environment and streamline administration with better oversight on innovation and faster deployment of supporting facilities.

Meanwhile, localized measures and reasonable layouts were also stressed to prevent rushed and vanity projects.