China Making Fresh Bid to Boost Loans to Small Firms as Economy Slows

China Making Fresh Bid to Boost Loans to Small Firms as Economy Slows
The headquarters of the People's Bank of China, the Chinese central bank, in Beijing, on Aug. 7, 2011. Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images
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BEIJING— China’s banking and insurance watchdog said on Oct. 30 that it will soon release new rules to boost financing to the private sector including small companies, and urged banks to keep lending to businesses facing temporary difficulties.

Chinese leaders have called for more measures to support the private sector and protect jobs as the world’s second-largest economy slows. The sector, comprising a legion of small firms, accounts for 80 percent of urban jobs.