Premier Li Keqiang announced three measures to further facilitate foreign trade and improve the business environment at the State Council executive meeting on May 24.

Port single-window system to spread nationwide

A senior official from the General Administration of Customs reported that the “single-window system” for cargo clearance, a trade facilitation policy, was adopted by 17 provinces and municipalities.

The Premier urged the administration to support local governments to ensure the policy will be adopted in all ports nationwide by the end of the year.

Promote cross-department joint inspection in ports

Premier Li asked different departments, including customs, quarantine and border defense, to strengthen coordination, and create a joint team to conduct one-time inspection for cargo in ports.

He also urged the strengthening of supervision and risk control in cargo clearance.

Reduce enterprise-related fees more

To relieve corporate burdens, it’s not enough to only cut unreasonable port fees, the Premier said.

He urged the General Administration of Customs to join with related departments to streamline and cut unreasonable charges. Enterprise-related charges should be cut further to reduce the burden on imports and exports, and improve their international competitiveness, said the Premier.

According to the World Trade Statistical Review 2016 issued by the World Trade Organization (WTO), China maintained its position as the world’s largest goods exporter in 2016, with its export volume accounting for over 10 percent of the world’s total.

“As trade protectionism is on the rise and uncertainties in global trade are growing, we should take reform measures to effectively reduce institutional transaction costs, and build a more open and convenient business environment,” the Premier said.