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China launches event in Hangzhou to expand imports, boost consumption

China

China

China

China launches event in Hangzhou to expand imports, boost consumption

2026-03-16 03:15 Last Updated At:13:28

China launched the second event of its 2026 "Big Market for All: Export to China" campaign in Hangzhou City of east China's Zhejiang on Sunday, as part of the country's broader push to expand imports and tap the purchasing power of its vast consumer market.

The three-day event, co-hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the People's Government of Zhejiang Province, is bringing together global brands, importers and consumers under one roof.

Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao attended the launch ceremony of the event and delivered an address.

More than 1,000 imported products are on display, from food and consumer goods to advanced industrial components.

The campaign aims to turn China's massive market into a gateway for global products, according to officials.

"The event highlights China's determination to independently expand unilateral and self-reliant opening-up. It is also China's active response to the needs of its global trading partners and our practical step to work together with them to grow the pie of international trade," said Xiao Lu, deputy director of the Department of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Commerce.

Nearly 100 import-focused companies are taking part, showcasing products and exploring opportunities in China's fast-growing consumer market.

"We have selected popular product choices favored by Chinese tourists who have visited Egypt," said Cao Kezhen, chief representative for China at the CHIMENA (China-India-Middle East-North Africa) Business Council.

Starting from May 1, 2026, China will fully implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries that have established diplomatic relations with China, so many Egyptian businesses are eager to explore the Chinese market, Cao said.

New technologies are also helping bring overseas products closer to Chinese consumers.

"In recent years, China has introduced a range of policies to encourage imports. These measures allow Chinese consumers to buy quality products from around the world at competitive prices through cross-border e-commerce. Going forward, we plan to shift more focus onto the development of a digital supply chain from the traditional supply chain, customs declaration and inspection, logistics, warehousing and distribution," said Shan Li, chairman of High Store Tech, a supply chain service provider for global brands.

Sunday's event followed the inaugural gathering, which took place under the same theme in the national capital Beijing in February.

China launches event in Hangzhou to expand imports, boost consumption

China launches event in Hangzhou to expand imports, boost consumption

The Standing Committee of China's 14th National People's Congress (NPC) concluded its 22nd session on Thursday morning in Beijing.

At the closing meeting, lawmakers voted to approve the revised Prison Law and Social Assistance Law, remove Han Jun from the post of minister of agriculture and rural affairs, appoint Zhang Zhu as the minister, and appoint Zhang Chengzhong as minister of emergency management.

President Xi Jinping signed presidential orders on the removal and appointments.

NPC Standing Committee Chairman Zhao Leji presided over the closing meeting, which also approved a deputy qualification report.

The meeting adopted decisions on approving a treaty on judicial assistance in criminal affairs between China and Azerbaijan, and a treaty of permanent good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation between China and five Central Asian countries, namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The legislators voted to remove Feng Yi from the post of deputy secretary-general of the NPC Standing Committee, among other appointments and removals. Zhao presided over a lecture for lawmakers after the closing meeting.

The Standing Committee held an oath-taking ceremony to pledge allegiance to the Constitution at the Great Hall of the People on the day.

China's top legislature concludes standing committee session

China's top legislature concludes standing committee session

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