It's a massive investment in itself.  The Chinese government has announced a 4 trillion Yuan stimulus package aimed at helping ease the blow from the global economic slowdown.  The package includes massive spending on infrastructure, particularly in quake-devastated Sichuan.  The government has also announced that it's loosening restrictions on credit for the commercial lending sector and cutting taxes to help stimulate the value-added sector.  The spending will be carried out over the next couple of years.  So what exactly will this do for the economy?  Why now?  Ni hao, you're listening to  People In the Know, your window into the world around you, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International.  In this edition of the show we'll be discussing the 4 trillion Yuan stimulus package.  So let's get started.

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First we'll hear from on of the leading Chinese experts in economics.  Zhuang Jian is the senior economist with the Asian Development Bank's resident mission here in China.

(Dialogue with Zhuang)

And after a short break, a foreign expert.

(Promo)

Ni hao, you're listening to  People In the Know, your window into the world around you, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International.  I'm Paul James in Beijing.  In this edition of the show we're discussing the 4 trillion economic stimulus package announced by the Chinese government.  For more on this we're joined on the line now by Mr. Arthur Kroeber, managing director of Dragonomics, a Beijing-based economic research and advisory firm.

(Dialogue with Kroeber)

And with that we close out this edition of  People In the Know, your window into the world around you, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International.  Internal investment to stimulate internal growth is undoubtedly the most healthy way to maintain a strong and prosperous economy.  Questions or comments for us can be sent to people@cri.com.cn.  For Producers Xu Yang and Chen Mo and the vacationing Zhao Yang, I'm Paul James in Beijing.  We'll talk to you tomorrow.