Chinese customs authorities announced 16 measures on Thursday to further optimize the business environment at ports and facilitate customs clearance for enterprises.
While helping foster new drivers of foreign trade, the measures also focus on leveraging the existing strengths and volume of traditional foreign trade, according to the General Administration of Customs (GAC).
In terms of imports, efforts will be made to safeguard the import of energy and mineral products as well as agricultural and food products, according to the GAC.
Regarding exports, the administration will continue to facilitate the export of automobiles and support the export of locally distinctive agricultural and food products. As these products are among the top players in China's foreign trade, it is crucial in stabilizing the foreign trade fundamentals, the GAC said.
"Traditional stock in foreign trade includes high-quality agricultural products, the advantageous electronic products, and consumer goods that people use. These are our traditional strengths in export products, which is also the existing stock in foreign trade. Innovative methods will be used to support the export in these traditional industries, which will improve the existing stock in foreign trade," said Lin Shaobin, deputy director of the Department of General Operation of the General Administration of Customs.
Currently, more than 630,000 companies in China are involved in import and export activities, serving as the driving force behind the country's efforts to expand its presence in international markets, said the administration.
The latest measures will support these enterprises in expanding their international markets. For example, in supporting the export of advantageous products, efforts will be made to enhance technical trade consultation services and assist companies in dealing with unreasonable foreign trade restriction measures.
China unveils new measures to further facilitate foreign trade
