China will expand imports of meat and other goods key for the public's livelihood in order to address shortages, an official at its commerce ministry said on Monday, amid a coronavirus outbreak that has disrupted the country's economy.
Zhu Xiaoliang, director-general of the ministry's market system development, made the comments during an online briefing.
Elsewhere, China's central bank has taken a raft of measures to support the economy, including reducing interest rates and flushing the market with liquidity. From Monday, it will provide special funds for banks to re-lend to businesses working to combat the virus.
'Expected Slowdown'
Despite the measures, analysts expect the world economy to take a hit from an expected slowdown in China.
"For now, our best guess is that the economic disruption related to the coronavirus will cost the world economy over $280 billion in the first quarter of this year," Capital Economics said in a note on Friday.
"If we're right, then this will mean that global (economic output) will not grow in q/q terms for the first time since 2009."
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