China's Ministry of Commerce has launched an event themed "E-commerce Benefits the World" to expand imports of high-quality specialty products and build a global e-commerce market that benefits all, according to a spokeswoman for the ministry in Beijing on Thursday.
At a press conference, He Yongqian, the spokeswoman said that the number of Silk Road e-commerce partner countries has reached 35, with 65 direct purchase bases established in 19 countries, effectively promoting global e-commerce cooperation.
The ministry's objective in launching the event is to promote the coordinated development of global e-commerce and advance the construction of inclusive and beneficial economic globalization, the spokeswoman noted.
"We have organized eight major e-commerce platforms across 18 regions to establish 40 list-based cooperation items, emphasizing policy coordination, industrial matchmaking, capacity building, and sub-national cooperation. Partner countries are invited to select from these items themselves, facilitating intensive and efficient practical cooperation in the e-commerce sector," He said.
"Next, we will expand the imports of high-quality specialty products, support industrial digital transformation, deepen cooperation in e-commerce industries and supply chains, and promote the practical achievements of various activities to build a global e-commerce market that benefits all jointly," she said.
Chinese commerce ministry launches event to build global e-commerce market
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
