International Desk: China’s National Commerce Conference was held in Beijing earlier this week, outlining key priorities for the country’s trade development in 2026. The conference announced that China’s trade system should focus on eight strategic areas in the coming year.

First, special initiatives should be launched to stimulate consumption, with particular emphasis on fostering growth in service consumption. Efforts should be made to create a consumption environment that meets international standards, while further developing digital and green (environment-friendly) consumption systems.

Second, China should accelerate the development of a modern market and distribution system and promote the construction of a unified national market.

Third, innovative development in trade should be encouraged, with a focus on maximizing the potential of goods trade and improving its overall quality.

Fourth, new advantages should be cultivated to attract foreign investment, and the “Invest in China” brand should be further enhanced. At the same time, the orderly expansion of opening-up in the services sector should be advanced.

Fifth, China should adhere to high-standard international economic and trade rules and intensify efforts to establish a solid foundation for high-level opening-up.

Sixth, outbound investment should be managed more effectively to ensure a rational and orderly cross-border layout of industrial and supply chains. Comprehensive overseas service systems should also be improved.

Seventh, multilateral and bilateral economic and trade cooperation should be further deepened, expanding mutually beneficial cooperation across multiple sectors. The implementation of the four major global initiatives should be steadily advanced.

Eighth, a robust security framework should be established to prevent and mitigate risks while supporting openness. Legal systems related to foreign affairs should be further improved.

Source: Xueyi-Touhid-Xinhua, China Media Group.