
China will take a string of measures to promote stable and higher quality growth of foreign trade this year, said Zhong Shan, China's Minister of Commerce at a press conference for the second session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) on March 9.

A staff member of a Chinese exhibitor is introducing a robot to foreigners at the 2018 China Yiwu International Intelligent Manufacturing Equipment Expo. The expo was held in Yiwu, east China’s Zhejiang province on November 29, 2018, attracting a large number of enterprises from China, the US, Germany, Japan, Singapore, and Italy. (Photo: Gong Xianming / People’s Daily Online)
The minister hailed China’s trade performance in 2018 as the country expanded the scale and improved quality of foreign trade despite complicated situations, uncertainties and instability.
China's total exports and imports hit a historical high of $4.62 trillion last year, reporting an increment of over $510 billion from a year ago.
The performance further consolidated China’s position as the world’s largest trading country and accelerated its transformation to a trader of quality, added Zhong.
He told the press conference that the Ministry of Commerce would follow the requirements raised by this year’s government work report to seek stable, better-structured imports and exports.
The country will make efforts to stabilize foreign trade growth and market, Zhong noted, elaborating that a raft of central policies and measures in export credit insurance, financing and trade facilitation will be implemented to reduce burdens and improve efficiency for foreign trade companies.
He added that efforts will also be stepped up in improving business environment for market entities, including state-owned enterprises, foreign companies and private firms, to shore up confidence and stimulate vitality.
China will promote international cooperation via the Belt and Road Initiative and optimize the layout of the international market as market is crucial for trade growth, Zhong noted, adding that it will explore emerging trade markets while building on traditional ones.
The ministry will encourage exports of high-tech, high-quality and high-value-added products to improve their competitiveness in the global value chain, Zhong said.
He praised China’s efforts in this regard by citing an example of the auto industry. Five years ago, the China-manufactured passenger vehicles, especially the small models, were exported at low prices and small quantities, but thanks to the hardwork, some makers have earned high reputation and quality awards from the international community.
Besides, the minister stressed that imports will be expanded in scale and optimized in structure to meet domestic demands.
Zhong also vowed that the ministry will support enterprises' innovation in technologies, systems and management, and encourage development of new trade businesses and models, so as to boost market competitiveness and facilitate China's transformation from a trader of quantity to a trader of quality.
Innovation is the primary propeller of development, as well as a source of power for foreign trade progress, he explained.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses