BEIJING — Vice-Premier Hu Chunhua on Dec 4 called for efforts to plan the development of the commercial sector next year in line with the requirements of the new development pattern.

Commercial work is of great significance for establishing the new development pattern of "dual circulation," in which domestic and foreign markets reinforce each other, with the domestic market as the mainstay, Hu said during a research trip to several commercial sites in Beijing.

Efforts should be made to expand domestic demand, promote consumption upgrades and encourage the development of new consumption modes and business sectors, Hu said.

He stressed improving the modern logistics system, strengthening cold-chain logistics for farm produce, as well as the construction and renovation of wholesale markets.

Efforts should also be made to expand opening-up and enhance the construction of free trade areas, Hu said.