New energy vehicle sales boom in Q1

More than 1.58 million new energy vehicles were sold on the domestic market in the first quarter of this year, a 26 percent year-on-year increase, according to a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Commerce.

NEVs have played a key role in boosting automobile sales in recent years, Shu Jueting told a news conference in late April.

Since China lifted the foreign ownership cap in the NEV manufacturing sector in 2018, foreign investment in actual use has increased by 15.69 billion yuan ($2.27 billion), Shu said.

Guideline aims to improve foreign trade

The General Office of the State Council has released a guideline on strengthening international trade efforts.

According to the document released in late April, all in-person trade exhibitions and fairs in the country should resume. Local governments, institutions to promote foreign trade, chambers of commerce and associated groups should also make more effort to support foreign trade companies in attending trade events abroad.

Authorities should facilitate cross-border business travel, including by speeding up the issue of APEC Business Travel Cards and restoring international passenger flights as soon as possible, according to the guideline.

Chinese embassies and consulates, as well as overseas offices of trade promotion institutions, should create more opportunities and services for foreign trade companies.

The general office urged authorities to stabilize exports to developed economies and help domestic companies expand markets in developing countries and regions such as Southeast Asia.

Authorities should also work to improve the import and export of key products and increase fiscal and financial support for foreign trade companies.

Ministry touts events to promote heritage

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has decided to launch a series of events to promote intangible cultural heritage to mark Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, which falls on June 10 this year.

Key events include National Quyi Week, which will be held in Wuhan, Hubei province. Quyi, a traditional Chinese spoken and sung art form, will be performed to promote exchange between different types of quyi and showcase achievements in preserving the tradition, the ministry said in a notice released on Friday.

It will also support organizations holding events to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, including concerts featuring the guqin, a traditional string instrument, and performances of Kunqu opera.

An online exhibition of photos and videos will also be held to showcase intangible cultural resources and increase public awareness of their protection.