
BEIJING, June 10 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Wednesday pledged measures to help foreign trade businesses tide over difficulties as the sector faced "unprecedented" challenges due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Despite lockdowns easing in some countries and regions, it will still take time for the demand to recover as there are increasing uncertainties in global trade, MOC official Zhang Li said at a press conference.
To stabilize foreign trade and investment, China has introduced a string of measures including financing support and simplified procedures.
The government has also increased focus on fostering new trading models such as cross-border e-commerce.
In addition to setting up 59 cross-border e-commerce pilot zones, China has approved 46 new ones and exempted retail exports from value-added tax and consumption tax in all pilot zones, while encouraging companies to jointly build and share overseas warehouses.
The commerce ministry said it would make targeted efforts to support exporters in selling their goods in the domestic market and to expand imports to promote quality development of foreign trade.
As part of efforts to stabilize global supply and industrial chains, the 127th session of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, will be held online from June 15 to 24.
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