Zhejiang Daily Tide News:

In the first three quarters, China's imports and exports with BRI partner countries saw stable growth. What do you believe are the main factors driving this growth? Additionally, what new measures have Chinese customs introduced to promote the joint construction of the Belt and Road? Thank you.

Lyu Daliang:

Thank you for your questions. Since the BRI was proposed, China's connectivity with BRI partner countries has significantly improved. This enhancement has led to increased convenience in international trade and cross-border logistics, heightened the efficiency of both domestic and international cooperation, and expanded the level and scope of industrial collaboration. Consequently, trade between China and BRI countries has seen a steady rise. In the first three quarters of this year, total imports and exports between China and BRI partner countries grew by 3.1% to reach 14.32 trillion yuan ($1.96 trillion), accounting for 46.5% of the country's total import and export value.

The GAC has thoroughly implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions, placing priority on promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. This year, our focus has been directed towards the following key areas:

First, we've taken proactive measures to facilitate the entry and import of high-quality agricultural and food products. In the first three quarters, we signed 67 cooperation documents on customs inspection and quarantine with BRI countries, 50 of which pertain to access to agricultural and food products.

Second, we have continued to advance trade facilitation cooperation. We signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on "single window" cooperation in international trade with Iran Customs. Additionally, we signed Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) cooperation documents with the Philippines, Costa Rica, Uzbekistan, and South Africa.

Third, we have made significant efforts to enhance our ports' physical and digital infrastructure. We've improved the Belt and Road Customs Information Sharing and Exchange Platform and ensured the stable operation of the Customs-Train Operators Partnership for Secure and Expedited Clearance of CR Express Carried Goods (C-TOP) between China and Kazakhstan.

Fourth, we actively participated in the preparations for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) and a thematic forum on trade connectivity of the BRF.

Fifth, we successfully organized the Conference on Import & Export Food Safety Cooperation of the Belt and Road, which promoted institutional cooperation among Belt and Road customs authorities for food safety.

As the high-quality development of the Belt and Road cooperation progresses, trade connectivity between China and BRI countries is expected to become even more efficient. We anticipate enhancements in the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, as well as improved cooperation in industrial and supply chain integration, leading to higher levels of trade development. The GAC will continue to refine and expand various bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms with partner countries. We will vigorously promote cooperation in trade security and facilitation, as well as in inspection and quarantine, all aimed at ensuring the high-quality joint building of the BRI for stable and long-term development. Thank you.