China to support exporters explore domestic market

The State Council issued a circular on June 22, introducing measures to help exporters sell products domestically and help Chinese businesses in the foreign trade sector overcome difficulties to keep foreign trade stable.

Adhering to market-oriented operations, foreign trade enterprises will be encouraged to sell export products in the domestic market, expand sales channels and promote the upgrading of domestic consumption. Government at all levels should take a guiding role while giving full play to the role of enterprises.

Local governments are urged to give priority to foreign trade enterprises in the major industry chain and supply chain, as well as micro, small and medium foreign trade enterprises, the circular noted.

Access to the domestic market should be accelerated for exporters, according to the circular.

Enterprises are encouraged to produce products on one production line following the same standards and the same quality requirements for both foreign and domestic markets to reduce costs and achieve the transformation from export to domestic sales. The policy will be expanded to the fields of general consumer goods and industrial goods, the document said.

Protection of intellectual property rights will be strengthened during the process. Foreign trade enterprises will be supported to negotiate with brand owners to authorize the intellectual property rights of products, transforming from export to domestic sales. Efforts also should be taken to ensure patent application, trademark and copyright registration, the circular added.

The circular also called on foreign trade enterprises to cooperate with e-commerce platforms and set up foreign trade products areas for various online shopping festivals.

New infrastructure and new urbanization initiatives and major projects around the country also will play roles in helping eligible export products shift to the domestic market.

The circular encouraged foreign trade enterprises to meet the needs of consumption upgrade in the domestic market by developing readily marketable products through big data, industrial internet and other technologies. Foreign trade enterprises should make full use of new business and new models, such as online sales and livestreaming, to promote the integration of online and offline sales.

Financial institutions are asked to provide financial support for the transformation, and strengthen supply chain financial services. Insurance companies also will strengthen support for the process and provide diversified insurance services.

Local government at all levels should introduce targeted support measures, according to the local situation. The Ministry of Commerce should formulate specific work plans with relevant departments and strengthen policy guidance and business training, the circular added.