China to subsidize energy-saving desktops, air conditioners

China will subsidize use of energy-saving desktop computers and air-conditioners in its latest effort to save energy and boost domestic demand, the Ministry of Finance told Xinhua Sunday.

The country will earmark 14 billion yuan (2.22 billion U.S. dollars) in subsidies to encourage purchases of 6 types of energy-saving products, including desktop computers, air-conditioners, fans, water pumps, compressors and transformers.

The subsidy program will operate for one year and help raise the market share of the energy-saving products to more than 40 percent, the ministry said, without disclosing when the program will start.