Major export-oriented provinces and cities across China have stepped up efforts to help foreign trade enterprises shift to the domestic market with support policies and business events, amid the global trade turmoil brought about by the recent tariff abuse by the U.S. administration.
Aiming to help foreign trade companies seek opportunities amid the global trade turmoil, China's Ministry of Commerce launched the "Premium Exports Homebound" initiative at the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) earlier in April.
As part of the national effort, the Shanghai municipal government held a business matchmaking event, bringing together over 80 representatives from foreign trade companies and over 20 from local malls and supermarkets. All participants showed great enthusiasm and were geared up to seek cooperation opportunities. "We can promote your products in shopping malls that relatively well match your products, at our home goods sections, or even temporary promotional display floats. We can provide faster help in this way," a representative from a local mall said.
The event provides a much-needed platform for both sides to better understand each other. After clarified the exporters' business models and current needs, local mall enterprises would offer detailed and practical measures to provide help, including providing subsidies for export companies to move in, and rolling out fast-track policies to add the export products onto the store shelves.
"This is a tremendous support. It really boosts our confidence. It also strengthens our company's vitality in research and development and allows us to focus more of our product on the domestic market," said Wang Jiagang, a foreign trade company representative.
In Hefei City of east China's Anhui Province, local supermarkets have set up special sections for domestic sales of foreign trade products. With their premium quality, the products are much favored by local residents.
"They said that the products taste good, so I am here again. The products are quite novel for us consumers, and I think they are definitely worth trying," said a local resident at a supermarket.
In addition, Hefei has also partnered with e-commerce platforms to bridge exporters with domestic customers, helping foreign trade companies fast-track their transition and bring their quality products to the domestic market.
China's premium export products on fast track into domestic market amid global trade turmoil
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
