The Ministry of Commerce will quicken the pace of rolling out policy measures including those for optimizing departure tax refunds, said its spokeswoman He Yongqian at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday.
She made the statement in response to a question on the "Shopping in China" campaign, which was launched by the ministry at the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) held in south China's island province of Hainan from April 13 to 18. It is a nationwide initiative to promote shopping, dining, and tourism, as well as exhibitions and performances with about 30 activities throughout the year.
"The Ministry of Commerce will stick to driving consumption with 'policy plus activities,' speed up the implementation of special campaigns to boost consumption, carry out consumer goods trade-in programs more vigorously and extensively, substantiate the actions to upgrade services to benefit consumers, and quicken the pace of rolling out policy measures including those for optimizing departure tax refunds," said He.
"The 'Shopping in China' campaign serves not only people in China, but also people from various countries all over the world. We sincerely welcome foreign friends to visit China, purchase Chinese goods, taste Chinese food, and appreciate China's beautiful landscape, so as to feel the unique charm of 'Shopping in China,'" she said.
China's State Taxation Administration on April 8 updated its tax refund policy for foreign tourists, shifting from a refund-upon-departure model to a refund-upon-purchase model.
Under the new refund-upon-purchase policy, foreign visitors can instantly claim value-added tax (VAT) rebates at tax-free stores, enabling them to reuse the refunded amount in real time for further shopping. Previously, VAT rebates were only available for withdrawal upon departure.
China to further optimize departure tax refunds: spokeswoman
