Market News International (MNI):

What is the main reason for the significant increase in China's automobile exports in 2023, and will this high growth momentum continue for this year? Thank you.

Lyu Daliang:

Thank you for your questions. In recent years, with the continuous advancement in building our country's modernized industrial system, the automotive industry in China has consistently pursued technological innovation and established complete industry and supply chains. Automobile production and sales in China have continually reached new highs, and correspondingly, the export scale has expanded. In 2021 and 2022, China's automobile exports surpassed 2 million and 3 million vehicles, respectively. In 2023, exports exceeded 5 million, reaching 5.221 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 57.4%.

It is worth noting that China is vigorously promoting the green and low-carbon transformation and upgrade of its automotive industry, with the export of NEVs adding a distinct bright spot to the sector. Currently, for every three cars exported from China, one is an electric passenger vehicle. With a total annual export of 1.773 million units, representing a 67.1% increase, this significantly contributes to the global green and low-carbon transformation.

Looking ahead, we believe that China's automotive industry still possesses strong overall competitive advantages and can continue to provide more and better innovative products to meet the needs of global consumers. Thank you.

Hong Kong Bauhinia Magazine:

In 2023, what supportive measures did the GACC introduce to stabilize foreign trade, and what achievements were made? This year, what new measures will the GACC implement to stabilize the fundamentals of foreign trade in line with the guiding principles of the Central Economic Work Conference? Thank you. 

Wang Lingjun:

Thank you for your questions. Last year, customs implemented various national policies and measures to stabilize foreign trade, focusing on promoting stability, enhancing quality and addressing enterprises' concerns. Within the customs' realm of responsibility, we introduced supportive measures including 16 ones to improve the business environment. Customs offices nationwide, in line with local conditions, refined nearly 1,000 specific measures, including national measures issued by the GACC that apply to all customs offices in China, regional measures tailored for specific economic regions, local measures released by individual customs offices that address issues within their jurisdiction, measures addressing different types of trade, measures addressing different regulatory zones, and measures addressing specific export products. This comprehensive, multi-layered approach spanned various perspectives and timeframes, creating a three-dimensional policy support framework. Based on our on-site research and feedback, improvements in the business environment, reductions in clearance times and the optimization of regulatory methods have been well-received by business entities.

First, expedited customs clearance for increased convenience has been implemented. Convenient measures for departure confirmation cover the Yangtze River Basin, saving one to two days in transit time. For imported iron ore, a streamlined supervision approach and seamless customs clearance have been adopted, allowing enterprises to achieve "inspection completion upon unloading," reducing clearance time by 65%. The green lanes for fresh and perishable goods have significantly reduced inspection time for agricultural and food products to less than three hours. The "cloud issuance" mode for export inspection and quarantine certificates has reduced the time for application from one to two days to as fast as 10 minutes. The controlled inspection mode for high-tech goods, such as vacuum packaging, can shorten clearance time by approximately 80%. The significance of these time reductions, whether a day or an hour, can be quantified as tangible benefits for enterprises, emphasizing the value of convenience in every day, hour and minute. 

Second, we have aided enterprises in overcoming difficulties to boost vitality. Stimulating the enthusiasm and creativity of businesses is a fundamental aspect of stabilizing foreign trade. In 2023, we released numerous targeted measures to assist enterprises in reducing burdens and increasing efficiency, thereby further igniting business vitality. For instance, we expanded the scope of the voluntary disclosure policy, resulting in nearly 200 million yuan in legally waived late tax payment fines for businesses throughout the year. We also introduced an objective quantification and allocation plan for inland waterway shipping fees, saving businesses nearly 100 million yuan in costs annually. The pilot exemption of submission of declaration forms and invoice information has improved the efficiency of tax refund process for enterprises. We intensified efforts in helping specialized and new enterprises maintain good credit records, helping them to overcome trade barriers and strengthen order management and market expansion.

Third, we have optimized services to enhance momentum. Vigorously nurturing new foreign trade dynamics and creating new drivers of growth for foreign trade are crucial aspects of customs' policies to stabilize foreign trade. Last year, we continued to optimize the business environment at ports, carried out policy interpretations by customs heads, and introduced 23 measures to promote the comprehensive reform for high-quality development of integrated bonded areas . We improved measures for return of goods in cross-border e-commerce, supported various modes of LCL (less than container load)exports in cross-border e-commerce and general trade, and actively supported the healthy and regulated development of market procurement and trading between border residents .

This year, customs will resolutely implement the spirit of the Central Economic Work Conference, continue to ensure the implementation and effectiveness assessment of existing policy measures, and focus on addressing difficulties, challenges and bottlenecks for enterprises. We will explore, prepare and timely introduce more targeted and effective new measures to accelerate the cultivation of new driving forces for foreign trade growth, stabilize the fundamentals of foreign trade and foreign investment, and contribute to consolidating and enhancing the positive economic recovery trend.

Thank you.