China showcased its economic and trade policies at a special event in Geneva on Tuesday, ahead of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) ninth trade policy review of China scheduled from July 17 to 19.
The side event aimed to provide WTO member countries with a comprehensive understanding of China’s economic and trade strategies from both central and local government perspectives.
Experts and scholars from leading Chinese institutions—including the China Academy of Macroeconomic Sciences, the University of International Business and Economics, Wuhan University, and Southwest University of Political Science and Law—joined representatives from foreign enterprises operating in China to present insights into the policies, measures, and practices China has adopted to achieve high-quality development and a high level of openness.
Discussions covered China’s recent economic performance, future prospects, and new initiatives in developing advanced productive forces, establishing a unified national market, and promoting the growth of the private sector. Specific examples highlighted China’s efforts to expand openness, optimize the business environment, and facilitate foreign enterprises’ operations within the country.
Li Chenggang, China’s permanent representative to the WTO, emphasized the significance of the pre-review meeting as a proactive step in implementing WTO reforms aimed at strengthening the trade policy review mechanism. “This mechanism not only enhances transparency in member states’ trade policies but also fosters mutual understanding and trust, which are crucial for the effective functioning of the WTO,” Li stated.
Alexander Keck, head of Global Economic Analysis at the WTO’s Economic Research and Statistics Division, commended China’s proactive and open approach in preparing for the trade policy review. He acknowledged the role of the pre-meeting in facilitating deeper understanding and trust-building among WTO members. “China is the first member to actively practice the outcomes of WTO trade policy review mechanism reforms, underscoring its pivotal role in promoting member participation and interactive dialogue,” Keck noted.
Under WTO rules, members ranked among the world’s top four in terms of trade volume undergo a review every two years. The trade policy review serves as a vital transparency mechanism for members to raise questions and express concerns regarding each other’s trade policies, ensuring clarity on policy directions and commitment implementation.
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China presents its trade policies ahead of WTO's biennial review
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