Speakers:
Wang Wentao, minister of commerce
Wang Shouwen, vice minister of commerce and deputy China international trade representative
Sheng Qiuping, assistant minister of commerce
Chairperson:
Xing Huina, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and SCIO spokesperson
Date:
March 1, 2022
Xing Huina:
Friends from the media, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). Today, we are delighted to be joined by Mr. Wang Wentao, minister of commerce, who will introduce China's efforts to pursue stable and high-quality commerce development, and answer your questions. Also present at the press conference today are Mr. Wang Shouwen, vice minister of commerce and deputy China international trade representative, and Mr. Sheng Qiuping, assistant minister of commerce.
Now, I will give the floor to Mr. Wang Wentao.
Wang Wentao:
Thank you, Ms. Xing. Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, I am glad to meet you here, and thank you for your constant interest and support regarding China's commerce development. 2021 was a landmark year in the history of our Party and our country. Faced with the complex domestic and international situation, as well as multiple risks and challenges, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, we focused on the overarching task of fostering a new development paradigm and performed the important role of commerce development in three aspects. I would like to explain the three aspects. First, commerce development is an important part of the domestic economy; second, commerce development is an important juncture connecting domestic and international markets; and third, commerce development is important to the new development paradigm. Last year, China's commerce development remained stable and exceeded expectations. Specifically, domestic consumption continued its steady recovery, and foreign trade became a highlight of economic growth, hitting a record high in terms of both volume and international market share. Utilized foreign investment grew rapidly, outbound investment remained stable, and multilateral and bilateral economic and trade cooperation achieved new breakthroughs.
This year, we will continue to follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, implement the guiding principles of the 19th CPC National Congress and plenary sessions of the 19th CPC Central Committee, carry out the decisions of the recent Central Economic Work Conference, pursue progress while ensuring stability, perform the important role of commerce development in three aspects, firmly implement the strategy of boosting domestic demand, promote continued consumption recovery, stabilize the overall performance of foreign trade and foreign investment, open wider to a high standard, make every effort to maintain steady commerce development, and greet the convening of the 20th CPC National Congress with concrete actions.
Next, my colleagues and I would like to answer your questions. Thank you.
Xing Huina:
Thank you, Mr. Wang. Now the floor is open for questions. Please identify the news outlet you work for before asking your question.
