Group 1 - The total retail sales of consumer goods from January to May increased by 5.0% year-on-year, with a 6.4% increase in May alone, reflecting the positive effects of policies aimed at boosting consumption and implementing trade-in programs for consumer goods [1] - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in May showed a year-on-year decrease of 0.1% and a month-on-month decrease of 0.2%, indicating a need to enhance the internal momentum of consumption [1] - To stimulate consumer demand in the short term, it is suggested to focus on transfer payments and expand the trade-in policy, particularly in central and western regions, encouraging participation from urban-rural integration areas [1] Group 2 - Long-term personal income tax reform could help adjust disposable income, providing stable cash flow for households, especially if tax rates for low- and middle-income groups are lowered [2] - A higher pension replacement rate can enhance current consumption tendencies, and transferring some savings to personal pension accounts could increase the overall pension replacement rate without affecting current cash flow [2] - Recommendations include increasing tax incentives for personal pension accounts and improving the performance and returns of pension products, as well as enhancing related services like healthcare based on pension contributions [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of boosting consumption not only as a means to adjust total demand and stimulate growth in the short term but also as a way to generate new, diverse, and high-level consumption demands that can guide high-quality investments [1][4]. Group 1: Consumption Potential - China's consumption rate in 2024 is projected to be only 56.6%, significantly lower than the 70%-80% typical in developed countries, indicating substantial room for growth [2]. - The relationship between consumption and economic growth is highlighted, with rising per capita GDP and disposable income correlating with increased consumption rates. China's current per capita GDP is approximately $13,000, suggesting a considerable gap compared to developed nations [2][3]. - Income distribution is a critical factor affecting consumption potential, with data showing that developed countries had an average consumption rate of around 73% when their per capita GDP was similar to China's current level [3]. Group 2: Role of Consumption in Economic Growth - Consumption is expected to play a more significant role in this year's economic growth, especially given the uncertainties in external trade and the diminishing marginal returns of traditional investments [5][6]. - The article argues that consumption and investment are not mutually exclusive but rather mutually reinforcing, with consumption driving production, employment, and investment [5][6]. Group 3: Policy Measures to Boost Consumption - Policies aimed at stimulating consumption have shown positive results, with retail sales growing by 5.0% year-on-year from January to May 2023, and a 6.4% increase in May alone [7]. - To enhance consumer willingness, improving income redistribution is suggested as a key measure, as the current low share of disposable income among residents limits consumption growth [7][8]. - Specific recommendations include lowering tax rates for middle and low-income groups, which could provide a stable cash flow and enhance consumption [8]. Group 4: Service Sector and Foreign Investment - The article discusses the potential for service sector growth through foreign investment, drawing parallels with past manufacturing sector reforms that improved productivity and competitiveness [9][10]. - Encouraging foreign investment in services like education and healthcare could stimulate competition, break monopolies, and enhance service quality, ultimately releasing more consumption potential [9][10]. Group 5: Local Government's Role - Local governments are increasingly important in stimulating consumption, with suggestions to include consumption targets in their performance assessments [12][13]. - Optimizing the value-added tax distribution mechanism is proposed to enhance local governments' incentives to promote consumption, which could lead to more effective consumer policies [12][13].