People visit the stand of Suning during an exhibition in Nanjing city, east China's Jiangsu province, 1 September 2014. [File Photo: ImagineChina]

Chinese premier Li Keqiang says the central government plans to popularize consumer finance companies across the country.

At a State Council meeting, the premier says consumer finance companies focus on middle and low income families, and will promote consumption by helping these families upgrade major household items.

Consumer finance companies are seen in 16 cities at present. They are providing non - mortgage microloans to consumers.

With more, we are joined on the line by Cao Can, CRI ' s financial commentator.