Li Keqiang Attends the 130th China Import and Export Fair

On October 14, 2021, Premier Li Keqiang attended the opening ceremony of the 130th China Import and Export Fair (the Canton Fair) and the Pearl River International Trade Forum and delivered a keynote speech in Guangzhou. Over 100 representatives of foreign governments and international organizations and heads of multinational companies attended the event online.

Li Keqiang said that the event has been held non-stop amid shifting circumstances for 65 years, and has scored remarkable successes. The Fair has also witnessed how companies from across the world shared in China’s development opportunities and achieved mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

Li indicated that China will keep foreign trade policies consistent and stable, and continue to import more quality products and services. A number of integrated pilot zones for cross-border e-commerce will be established before the end of the year. Development of new business forms such as overseas warehouses will be accelerated and overseas smart logistics platforms will be promoted. He emphasized that China will continue to foster a market-oriented, world-class business environment governed by a sound legal framework to see that the country remains an alluring destination for foreign investment. He indicated that China will further shorten the negative lists on the market access for foreign investment, zero out manufacturing items on the negative list in pilot free trade zones, and keep easing access to the services sector. Meanwhile, China will support foreign investors in increasing investment in such areas as medium- and high-end manufacturing and modern services and in the central and western regions.

The participating foreign leaders spoke highly of the Fair’s significant role in promoting international trade and investment cooperation. They expressed strong confidence in the prospects of China’s economic development.