Trade promotion body helps bridge foreign firms, govt ties

BEIJING — As China continues to facilitate communication between the government and foreign-invested enterprises, international companies are seeing tangible benefits and showing more confidence in their development prospects in China.

In better communications and dealings with foreign companies that have needs and concerns, Chinese authorities have always listened and adapted quickly to deliver the best outcomes, said Mirko Turrina, general manager of Goglio (Tianjin) Packaging Co Ltd, a firm that produces food and beverage packaging.

In May 2022, task forces designed specifically to serve the needs of foreign enterprises operating in China were established by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade at local levels across the country.

Last October, the task force in Tianjin reached out to the Italian-funded enterprise Goglio Packaging to learn more about the company's possible concerns and needs. "So far, the task force has assisted the firm in obtaining industrial product production licenses, as well as visas for senior-level foreign staff," Turrina said.

The communication process is efficient, he said, adding that it is "a powerful example of the commitment of the Chinese government to advance opening-up and optimize the business environment".

Playing a vital role in communication and coordination, the task forces have prompted relevant government departments to respond to or solve more than 5,700 appeals from foreign companies operating in China, the CCPIT said.

Cargill, an agriculture and food company based in the United States, is another foreign firm that has benefited from this mechanism.

"In the process of regular two-way communication, the task force strives to help enterprises solve difficulties," the company said, adding that it is actively expanding its business layout in China to meet the demands of Chinese consumers and contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture in the country.

The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China said that the association has maintained close communication with personnel from the task forces and received extensive support in the extension of preferential policies for foreigners to obtain subsidies.

The "bridge" built by the CCPIT between the government and foreign enterprises has provided timely and strong support for enterprises to cope with the impacts of China-US economic and trade frictions and the COVID-19 pandemic, said Liu Zhengfu, director of the research and development department of the council.

Explaining the working mechanisms of the task forces, Liu said task forces at local levels coordinate with corresponding government departments to solve the needs of enterprises. If the matters involve departments at a higher level, such problems will be reported to the CCPIT for further progress in seeking solutions. "Relevant departments are very supportive of the work," Liu added.

A survey conducted earlier this year revealed that the vast majority of foreign-funded companies operating in China were satisfied with the country's business environment.

Nearly 90 percent of the surveyed foreign-funded enterprises expressed satisfaction with the business environment concerning market access, tax payments, dispute settlement and promotion of market competition in China.

Xinhua