Cities across China have been issuing consumer coupons which people can use for shopping, to go to restaurants and even to buy cars and homes. But are consumer coupons an effective way to boost consumption and fuel the economy? NPC deputies have been voicing their opinions.

Zhejiang province will issue another 600 million yuan worth of coupons,in addition to the 100 million yuan in coupons issued in January. Some see it as a good way to boost the local economy.

NPC deputy Chen Tiexiong said, "Take travelling coupon for example, it's not only about people taking trips. It also boosts industries related to the tourism sector. But they must be used within a specific period."

Some deputies think that in order to fuel the economy, it is more effective to issue consumer vouchers than to simply give cash. This because Chinese people tend to put cash in their savings account.

NPC deputy Dai Zhongchuan said, "In light of this year's economic situation, I think issuing consumer vouchers will benefit ordinary Chinese, especially low and middle income families."

But not all deputies feel that way. Some argue that improving employment and the pension system are China's most urgent tasks. The coupon money can be allocated to help the elderly and the poor, and help urban young people to set up their own businesses.

NPC deputy Zhu Liping said, "I think the policy doesn't have to be promoted nation-wide. Different regions should set different policies according to their own circumstances."

A NPC deputy said, "We should help the farmers get rich. And when they are rich, they will spend money. We should also help the low-income urban-dwellers. Those are the two groups that we should help in order to help boost domestic demand."

Consumers need to make money before they can spend it. The deputies stressed long-term solutions to fuel spending. These include creating more jobs, increasing salaries and improving social institutions such as medical insurance.

(CCTV March 13, 2009)