Beijing, March 22, 2024, The Europe Today: China has unveiled national and pilot free trade zone (FTZ) versions of negative lists for cross-border trade in services, the Ministry of Commerce revealed on Friday.
This marks the first instance of China formulating a comprehensive negative list for cross-border trade in services at the national level. The national-level list comprises 71 items meticulously curated to streamline regulatory frameworks and foster a conducive environment for international trade.
Simultaneously, the pilot FTZ version of the negative list for cross-border trade in services encompasses a total of 68 items, encompassing a diverse array of sectors including occupational qualifications of natural persons, professional services, finance, and culture. These initiatives underscore China’s commitment to promoting transparency, efficiency, and fairness in its trade practices.
Ministry spokesperson He Yadong highlighted the significance of these measures, emphasizing their pivotal role in aligning China with high-standard international economic and trade rules while fortifying institutional frameworks conducive to open and inclusive trade practices.
The announcement builds upon China’s proactive engagement in reforming its trade policies and bolstering market access for both domestic and overseas service providers. Notably, China previously unveiled its inaugural negative list in services trade at the Hainan Free Trade Port in July 2021, heralding a new era of equitable access for service providers across diverse sectors.
As reiterated by Ministry spokesperson He Yadong during a press conference in November last year, the release of the negative lists underscores China’s unwavering commitment to fostering a level playing field wherein both domestic and international service providers can thrive.
With these latest developments, China reaffirms its stance as a proactive proponent of international trade liberalization, laying the groundwork for sustained economic growth and collaboration on the global stage.
