To boost development of small- and medium-sized enterprises, the government will further encourage financial institutions to increase loans. Companies will also get more fiscal support for technology innovation.

In addition, investment will be reinforced in areas such as the southwest quake-zone reconstruction, infrastructure development and the social welfare system, among others.

With regard to the foreign trade, the State Council decided to increase imports of goods needed domestically and support exports to realize the balance of international payments.

In addition, the government would still keep a cautious eye on price increases with a focus on agricultural and energy related goods.

The advent of September's tainted milk incident had also prompted the central government to pay closer attention to food safety in the fourth quarter.

(CCTV October 21, 2008)