Shanghai released an action plan on Thursday to enhance the departure tax refund experience for overseas travellers, aiming to increase the number of stores offering departure tax refunds and establish regional networks for handling these refunds.
By 2027, there will be over 3,000 departure tax refund stores and more than 10,000 service stations in Shanghai. The proportion of stores offering the instant refund service will exceed 80 percent, and the proportion of centralized refund service stations established in commercial concentrated areas will also exceed 80 percent. In the central urban areas where inbound visitor consumption is relatively concentrated, all stores will offer departure tax refund services, according to the plan.
Since the beginning of this year, outbound tax refund stores registered in Huangpu District, one of the most popular destinations for foreign tourists visiting Shanghai, have issued over 25,000 application forms, representing a year-on-year increase of 280 percent. The sales of goods reached 450 million yuan (about 62.81 million U.S. dollars), representing a year-on-year growth of 130 percent.
"On the one hand, it will be more convenient for overseas consumers to apply for tax refunds in a centralized manner. On the other hand, we hope tourists can plan their trips without any worries," said Xiang Jue, deputy director of the Commerce Commission in Huangpu District.
The plan also proposes guiding stores registered and operating at exhibition venues to apply for the outbound tax refund status, thereby extending the outbound tax refund service to the exhibition.
Shanghai issues plan to expand departure tax refund for overseas travelers
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
