In the first half of this year, the vitality of business entities in China and the high-end development of the industrial structure have been further improved, delivering solid achievements in high-quality development, an official with the State Taxation Administration (STA) said on Tuesday.
Hu Jinglin, the STA commissioner, told a press conference that the number of tax-paying business entities has increased during the period. "Tax data showed that the vitality of business entities in China has further improved from January to June. The number of active tax-paying business entities that are operating normally in China rose 20.2 percent year on year and the number of tax declaration companies gained 10 percent year on year," said Hu.
Hu noted that high-tech and digital economy industries saw a surge in sales revenue during the same period.
"The high-end development of the industrial structure has been further advanced. The sales revenue of high-tech industries and core digital economy industries increased 15 percent and 8.7 percent year on year, respectively. And their share of the total enterprise sales revenue expanded 1.7 percentage points and 1.1 percentage points year on year, respectively. At the same time, the profits of high-tech manufacturing enterprises and digital product service enterprises surged 29.2 percent and 64.4 percent year on year, respectively," said the official.
China's foreign investment inflows and foreign trade exports continued to demonstrate strong resilience in the six months, Hu added.
"The stability of [China's] opening up to the world has been further enhanced. The number of foreign-funded tax-paying entities rose 10.9 percent year on year. The total profit declared by foreign-funded enterprises increased 4.5 percent year on year. The number of export tax rebates processed by the tax authorities for enterprises gained 7.7 percent year on year. These figures indicate that China's introduction of foreign investment and foreign trade exports continue to maintain strong resilience," he said.
China's business vitality further enhanced in H1
China is welcoming an influx of international travelers this summer, drawn by its rich cultural offerings and streamlined customs clearance policies, as the country braces for peak tourist season.
Since the start of summer vacation, scenic spots across Guizhou Province, southwest China, have rolled out premium itineraries that are drawing large numbers of international tourists.
Attractions such as the Wumeng Grasslands, Yeyuhai, and Shuicheng Ancient Town in Guizhou have become popular destinations for international tourists during the summer season, offering leisure and cultural experiences.
"I chose this place for my summer vacation because it's not very hot. The weather is very cool and comfortable," said Max Slonim, a U.S. tourist.
In Shanghai, many foreign tourists visited the Yu Garden to explore classical garden architecture, sample local street food, and experience traditional Chinese culture.
Xiaolongbao (steamed buns), lotus root pastries, and Chinese teas have become must-try delicacies for them.
The Sinan Mansions complex hosts a signature farm market alongside performance stages, themed art exhibitions, and a summer greenhouse. Meanwhile, the Museum of Art Pudong has launched several artists' debut exhibitions in China, drawing art enthusiasts from around the world who make special trips to Shanghai.
"You can find something new and fresh in Shanghai as well and the museum here is very well," said a French tourist.
From traditional souvenirs like silk and tea to smart devices and tech products, with the promotion of tax-free shopping for outbound travelers and more convenient payment methods, an increasing number of foreign tourists are experiencing the convenience of shopping in China.
In the first half of this year, Beijing Customs processed over 110,000 tax refund applications for departing travelers, with the total value of refunded goods exceeding 900 million yuan (about 132.9 million U.S. dollars), up 567.7 percent and 49.67 percent year on year, respectively.
"We can also put the cards on your phone. So, it's easy and you don't have to worry about any extra change or anything. So, it's very straightforward," said Kimaya Nguyen, an overseas tourist.
In north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, international flights from Thailand, Malaysia, and other countries have been arriving one after another in recent days, with the number of overseas summer vacationers steadily increasing.
At Ordos Ejin Horo International Airport, inbound tourists are able to complete customs clearance quickly by submitting declarations online in advance.
With the extension of the China-Russia mutual visa-free arrangement, cross-border tourism continues to surge.
Inner Mongolia's Manzhouli Customs has implemented convenient measures such as appointment-based clearance and expedited inspections for group travelers, including study tours and one-day tour groups, to ensure smooth border clearance.
In the first half of this year, 341,400 passengers crossed the border via the Manzhouli land port, up 64.44 percent year on year.
China's cultural charm, scenic spots draw int'l tourists
China's cultural charm, scenic spots draw int'l tourists
