By Dai Qi
China is expected to expand its imports in a bid to improve trade balance, according to a news release on the website of the State Council Monday.
Imports of consumer goods, medical products and equipment for recovery and senior care will be given great importance, and tariffs of those products would also be reduced.
Service trade on building design, logistics, consulting business, research and development (R&D), energy saving and environmental service will also be strengthened.
Agricultural products that are in short supply in China, as well as material and machinery for upgrading agricultural production, are expected to see more imports.
To expand imports, China will broaden its cooperation with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, set up free trade zones and continue to give preferential tariff policies to the least developed countries, according to the guideline.
Meanwhile, the country will make full use of the China International Import Expo to advance imports, improve the domestic business environment to attract more foreign investment.
The Chinese government emphasizes the importance of free and convenient business environment, calls for building an international-level "single window" to simplify the customs process and lowering institutional costs while importing products.
The guideline published by the State Council was submitted by 20 government departments, including the ministries of commerce, foreign affairs and industry and information technology.
It urged the expansion of imports while stabilizing the export volume and an improvement of the domestic supply system to satisfy people's increasing demands.
