The China General Chamber of Commerce joined hands with seven business associations in China on Friday issued a proposal to bolster domestic trade and expand local markets in response to increased tariffs from the United States.
The proposal condemned the hegemonic and bullying actions of the U.S. government, which has recently used tariffs as a tool for extreme pressure and self-interest. Such actions have violated the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), undermined the rule-based multilateral trade system, and disrupted the global economic order, said the proposal.
The proposal called for efforts to explore domestic market and help exporters shift their focus to domestic sales.
Commodity markets, department stores, chain supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms should set up green channels for foreign trade enterprises lacking established domestic sales networks, and set up dedicated spaces to showcase and sell their products, the proposal said.
Promotional events should also be held for foreign trade enterprises to display high-quality products and connect with domestic consumers, according to the proposal.
The proposal also encourages dining and hospitality providers to purchase foreign trade items, such as food, utensils, and hotel supplies, to bolster domestic sales. Meanwhile, foreign trade enterprises should also leverage their channels to carry out promotional activities both online and offline, the proposal said.
The seven business associations are the China Chain Store and Franchise Association, the China Commerce Association for General Merchandise, the China Cuisine Association, the China Hospitality Association, the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry, the China Federation of Urban Commercial Outlets Construction Administration and the China Friendship External Supplier Association of Commerce.
Chinese business associations jointly call for domestic market expansion amid US tariff hikes
