Speakers:
Zhong Shan, minister of commerce
Wang Shouwen, vice minister of commerce, deputy China international trade representative
Wang Bingnan, vice minister of commerce
Chairperson:
Hu Kaihong, spokesperson of the State Council Information Office
Date:
May 18, 2020
Hu Kaihong:
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). From today, we will hold more press conferences and invite officials from relevant departments to brief you on China's economic and social development. This morning, we are delighted to have Mr. Zhong Shan, minister of commerce and secretary of the leading Party group of the Ministry of Commerce, Mr. Wang Shouwen, vice minister and deputy China international trade representative, and Mr. Wang Bingnan, vice minister of commerce. They will brief you on stabilizing the fundamentals of foreign trade and investment and promoting the quality development of commerce as well as take your questions.
First, I will give the floor to Mr. Zhong.
Zhong Shan:
Thank you. I notice that you are all wearing masks, showing that you are dedicated to working cautiously.
On behalf of the Ministry of Commerce, I would like to extend gratitude to friends from the media, for your attention, concern, assistance and support.
Last year, against the backdrop of a complex and severe domestic and international situation, China achieved positive results in commerce reform and development, with consumption, foreign trade, and foreign investment all hitting record highs. This year, the COVID-19 epidemic exerts a great impact on China's economic and social development. The situation of commerce reform and development has become more severe and complex, and we are facing greater challenges.
Under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, we have coordinated the work of epidemic prevention and control and commerce reform and development. Efforts have been made to expand domestic demand, promote consumption, and stabilize the fundamentals of foreign trade and investment. We have worked to promote the quality development of commerce, minimize the impact of the epidemic, and make new contributions to completing building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.
Next, my colleagues and I will answer your questions. Thank you.
Hu Kaihong:
Thank you, Mr. Zhong, for your very brief introduction. We will leave more time for questions. Please.
