China to scrap $3b in fees to boost growth

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BEIJING, Nov 19 (AFP): China will cut 19 billion yuan (2.8 billion dollars) worth of administrative fees in 2009, the government said today, to help companies and boost growth amid the global financial woes.
The policy, which will take effect from January 1, will cancel charges on items such as labour dispute arbitration and university diploma certificates, the finance ministry said on its website.
Altogether 100 different fees will disappear in sectors such as education, labour, construction, export and agricultural production, said the statement.
It is aimed at "implementing the decision by the central government to expand domestic demand and support fast and steady economic growth ... by further easing the burden of firms and individuals".
The move follows an earlier initiative to scrap 17 billion yuan in administrative fees on markets and small private businesses from September 1, said the statement.