The government will provide support for stalls and small stores to inject more vitality into the Chinese economy, Premier Li Keqiang said during an inspection to Yantai, East China’s Shandong province.

Across from an old community he visited on the morning of June 1, the Premier talked to merchants and vendors operating booths and small shops about the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on their business, whether they are receiving policy backing and are paying their staff on time, among others.

One self-employed vendor selling prepared foods said even though he almost closed down after the virus outbreak, his stall managed to get through it thanks to a four-month rent exemption and reduction, adding that operations have basically returned to normal and the booth is regaining vigor and popularity among local citizens as it is now allowed to open on the street.

Policies rolled out by the government have been a blessing for some businesses that saw their income fall by 30 to 40 percent in recent months, said several owners of surrounding booths, one of whom expressed a wish to contribute to the country and society in return.

Only when its people live well can the nation develop well, Premier Li said, emphasizing that the growth of stalls and small stores, an important contributor to job creation, will help boost China’s economy.

When enterprises and self-employed businesses on the Chinese market survive and thrive, the country will build a better future, he added.