Mainland authorities have rolled out a package of measures to boost service consumption, as part of broader efforts to spur domestic demand and unleash consumption potential.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the measures comprise 19 items in five areas and were jointly released on Tuesday by nine government departments, including the Ministry of Commerce.

China will promote the orderly opening up of areas such as the Internet and culture while expanding pilot programmes in telecommunications, healthcare and education, in efforts to advance high-level opening up in the services sector, Xinhua reported.

China will also encourage the introduction of international sports events and ease market access in the high-end medical services, leisure and vacation sectors.

In addition, measures will be further reduced to attract more foreign investment and private capital.

Steps will also be taken to encourage more overseas visitors to spend money in China. The country will expand unilateral visa waivers in an orderly manner to include more countries and improve regional visa-free entry policies, among other measures.