The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held its 21st briefing session on issues of major concern in Beijing on Nov 25, with the theme of accelerating China's transformation into a trader of quality. CPPCC National Committee vice-chairmen Mu Hong and Jiang Zuojun attended the meeting.

Wang Shouwen, China international trade representative and vice-minister of commerce, provided a briefing. Wang listed the conditions necessary for building China into a trader of quality and stated that the Ministry of Commerce will work closely with local governments and relevant departments to upgrade goods trade, strive to create a conducive institutional environment for new business models, adapt to the trend of digital and green trade development, and promote innovations in service and digital trade. Efforts will also be made to deepen reforms in the foreign trade system, strengthen the coordination of trade policies with fiscal, financial and industrial policies, and build institutional support and policy systems for building a trader of quality, he said. These efforts aim to ensure the stability and smooth functioning of supply and industrial chains, he added.

Wu Haiping, deputy head of the General Administration of Customs, reported on the progress of customs-related matters. He noted that the key for the administration to strengthen stringent oversight and provide efficient services in building China into a leading country in trade is deepening reforms comprehensively. He said further efforts will be made to accelerate the development of smart customs, innovate customs supervision and service systems, and balance high-quality development with high-level security, contributing to the country's opening-up drive.

During the meeting, CPPCC National Committee members and representatives from relevant ministries and departments engaged in discussions on issues such as optimizing the business environment at ports, promoting the development of cross-border e-commerce, ensuring smooth customs operations at Hainan Free Trade Port, and enhancing the maritime transport capacity for foreign trade.