Xiamen unveils comprehensive plan to streamline cross-border trade

The press conference is held on May 9. [Photo by Lin Yuyang for chinadaily.com.cn]

On May 9, the Administration of Xiamen Pilot Free Trade Zone, the Xiamen Customs, and the Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Commerce jointly held a press conference on the Xiamen special action plan for promoting cross-border trade facilitation and the new customs advanced certification enterprise support policy.

During the conference, they announced the release of the "2024 work plan for promoting cross-border trade facilitation special action in Xiamen city".

This year's special action plan includes a total of 39 tasks, with 17 considered "mandatory” at the national level, which are expected to be completed by the end of August this year. Additionally, there are 22 "optional actions" added by Xiamen based on the needs of enterprises, scheduled to be completed by the end of December.

The plan is intended to optimize the business environment at Xiamen ports and build them into world-class ports.

The plan highlights the need to innovate and enhance the efficiency of the entire import and export goods clearance process through means such as establishing a "green channel" for fresh agricultural products clearance and implementing a 24-hour appointment clearance guarantee.

Meanwhile, the plan also proposes the further integrated development of service trade and goods trade, coordination to standardize and reduce import and export taxes and fees, further facilitation of trade in emerging industries that drive foreign trade, and enhancement of port informatization and intelligence level.

The measures are also intended to increase satisfaction among enterprises and the general public. Corresponding measures will be introduced to address these issues.

A vessel loaded with goods docks at the terminal of Xiamen Port. [Photo by Lin Yuyang for chinadaily.com.cn]