The Ministry of Commerce predicts China's consumption will be worth five trillion yuan, or over US$620 billion  in 2004, representing an increase of more than nine percent over the previous year.

A report released by the Ministry says that an increasing rate of consumption among the rural population will shorten the gap between the city and the countryside.

It adds that among all the sectors of the retail industry, the catering industry will chalk up the most significant increase.
 
(CRI March 24, 2004)