商务部：持续深化国际消费中心城市培育建设

Core Insights - The Ministry of Commerce reported significant achievements in the cultivation of international consumption center cities, highlighting that five cities account for over 1/8 of the national retail sales, with national-level demonstration pedestrian streets making up 1/4 of the total [1] - The initiative, approved by the State Council in July 2021, has shown positive results after four years, with a focus on enhancing the international consumption environment and promoting various consumption types [1][2] Dimension Summaries International Dimension - The five cities have improved payment convenience and optimized tax refund services, creating a more welcoming international consumption environment. Since the implementation of new tax refund policies, the number of tax refund stores in Beijing and Shanghai has exceeded 1,400, and Guangzhou has surpassed 500, leading to a 94.6% increase in national tax refund sales in the first half of the year [1][2] Consumption Dimension - There has been a comprehensive enhancement in consumption leadership, with a focus on new consumption types such as digital, green, and health. Over the past four years, 12,000 domestic and international brand flagship stores have been introduced, alongside various high-profile events and exhibitions to promote consumption [2] Center Dimension - The five cities have actively explored innovations in expanding quality supply and optimizing the consumption environment, resulting in 16 innovative measures and 12 exemplary practice cases selected by the Ministry of Commerce for replication and promotion [2] Urban Dimension - The cities have improved urban functions and vitality by aligning with internationally renowned cities in commercial space planning and creating iconic shopping districts. Additionally, there is a focus on daily consumer needs, particularly for the elderly and children, to enhance the warmth of urban consumption [2] Future Directions - The Ministry of Commerce plans to continue deepening the cultivation of international consumption center cities, aiming to create an international consumption environment, expand quality consumption supply, and innovate diverse consumption scenarios to foster prosperous commerce and satisfied citizens [3]