China’s top insurance and banking regulator has requested financial institutions, such as insurers and banks, lend more support to infrastructure investment, as well as importers/exporters and creditworthy companies experiencing temporary problems.
The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) also called on the institutions to increase the proportion of medium- and long-term loans to relieve pressure on borrowers during the end of the month or quarter.
This is in response to the current period of uncertainty befalling China’s economy, in part due to the escalating trade war with the US, reported Reuters. In July, China almost quadrupled the value of fixed-asset investment projects approved, in an effort to accelerate infrastructure spending and reinvigorate the economy.
CBIRC told banks and insurers to find and address “weak points” in the country’s infrastructure sector, and work together with local governments. However, it cautioned the firms to remain mindful of hidden debt levels.
Furthermore, it requested leniency towards companies that have a good credit record but are currently experiencing “temporary operational difficulties,” possibly in connection to the ongoing economic conflict. These include foreign trade and export-oriented firms affected by the situation on the international market.
Despite new tariffs imposed by the US, China’s exports and imports grew faster in July, while its trade surplus with the US remained near record highs.
