Yicai:

In 2026, with the deepening impact of changes in the external environment and increasing trade barriers, how do you view the foreign trade situation this year, and what measures will be taken to promote high-quality development of foreign trade? Thank you.

Wang Zhihua:

I will answer these questions. Thank you. Just now, Mr. Yan has already briefed you on the relevant situation of foreign trade in 2025. Regarding the foreign trade situation in 2026, indeed, as you mentioned, China is currently faced with profound and complex changes in the external environment. It can be said that strategic opportunities coexist with risks and challenges, and uncertain and unpredictable factors are increasing. At the same time, we must also understand that China's economy has stable foundations, numerous strengths, strong resilience, and great potential, as well as the fact that foreign trade development continues to be supported by many favorable conditions.

In 2026, the Ministry of Commerce will conscientiously implement the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, focus on the goals of improving quality and effectiveness, make every effort to stabilize the fundamentals of foreign trade, promote the opening up of the service market in an orderly manner, and contribute to a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan period. Specifically, measures in the following aspects will be taken.

First, we will strengthen the guiding role of policies. We will develop a comprehensive policy mix to provide high-quality service for foreign trade enterprises, helping them reduce costs and enhance efficiency. Efforts will be made to strengthen policy promotion and interpretation to stabilize expectations and boost confidence. Through coordinated actions between central and local authorities, we will study and introduce new policies in a timely manner, and provide new supportive measures.

Second, we will expand diversified markets. Greater support will be given for enterprises to participate in overseas exhibitions. A series of trade promotion activities will be hosted. We will ensure the successful hosting of the 139th and 140th Canton Fairs., We will encourage enterprises to make good use of country-specific trade guides and foreign trade promotion information to help them better connect with markets.

Third, we will accelerate innovation-driven development. We will guide comprehensive pilot zones for cross-border e-commerce to vigorously develop industrial belts empowered by cross-border e-commerce, and support overseas warehouse enterprises in accelerating intelligent upgrading. Efforts will be focused on expanding green trade and enhancing the international competitiveness of green and low-carbon products. We will promote the application of artificial intelligence in foreign trade development and improve the digitalization level across the entire trading chain.

Fourth, we will promote balanced development. We will build the "Export to China" brand, select annual featured countries for targeted engagement, and organize import promotion activities. By fully leveraging platforms such as the China International Import Expo, we will provide more high-quality exhibition booth resources and organize national import trade promotion and innovation demonstration zones, as well as further enabling import-export chambers of commerce to carry out regional and industry matchmaking. This will facilitate the entry of more high-quality products and services from other countries into Chinese market, and better meet the people's needs for a better life.

Fifth, we will vigorously develop trade in services. This will involve improving the management system of negative list for cross-border trade in services, promoting the opening up of the services market in an orderly manner, and building national demonstration zones for the innovative development of trade in services. Efforts will focus on expanding the export of competitive producer services, promoting the clustered development of service trade in areas such as intellectual property and human resources. Professional service institutions in design, consulting, finance, accounting, and law will be encouraged to enhance their international service capabilities, while services where we have long held an edge such as Chinese language education, traditional Chinese medicine, and Chinese cuisine will be further promoted in global market. We will also introduce policy measures to expand inbound consumption.

Sixth, we will foster innovative development of digital trade. This includes launching national demonstration zones for digital trade, formulating standards related to digital trade to align domestic standards with international norms, and advancing the digital transformation of service outsourcing to foster and expand digital trade business entities. We will host the Global Digital Trade Expo to build an international platform for exhibitors and merchants worldwide to explore cooperation and promote development.

That is all from me. Thank you.