The General Office of the State Council, in a circular on Jan 19, unveiled measures to advance the integrated development of domestic and foreign trade to help bolster the home market, with domestic and international circulations progressing smoothly.

To support trade integration, the circular stressed improving laws, regulations and supervisory rules, and further aligning domestic trading rules and standards with global ones, involving intellectual property rights protection, customs clearance, and product certification, among other aspects.

Efforts should be made to help enterprises, such as cross-border supply chain service providers, navigate operations on markets at home and abroad, the circular said. Promoting integrated trade requires nurturing new business modes, such as digital development backed by modern information technology. Cultivation of professionals with necessary skills will also be strengthened.

Free trade ports and pilot free trade zones can act as pioneers in integrating domestic and foreign trade in line with international economic and trade rules, according to the document. More platforms will be built to serve integrated development of domestic and foreign trade, such as commodity markets that connect with overseas marketing networks. Logistics networks will be enhanced to facilitate transportation and delivery.

The circular also urged launching pilot programs in this field.