ChinaVowstoStabilizeForeignTrade,ExpandServicesOpening

China will stabilize the scale of foreign trade and guide companies to optimize their global market footprint, Premier Li Qiang said Thursday, as Beijing seeks to navigate rising protectionism and a more volatile global trade environment.

Delivering the government work report at the opening of the country’s annual legislative session, Li said China will promote the integrated development of domestic and foreign trade, and encourage the growth of cross-border e-commerce and overseas warehouses.

In addition, Li said China will expand market access in the services sector and step up efforts to stabilize foreign investment.

The government plans to broaden pilot programs allowing greater market access in sectors including value-added telecommunications, biotechnology and wholly foreign-owned hospitals, while shortening the negative list for cross-border trade in services.

Beijing will continue efforts to stabilize foreign investment by ensuring national treatment for foreign enterprises and implementing an updated catalog of industries encouraging foreign investment, Li said.

Contact editor Lin Jinbing (jinbinglin@caixin.com)