稳住外贸外资基本盘 ——对话对外经济贸易大学校长赵忠秀

Core Viewpoint - China's foreign trade and foreign investment are showing resilience and growth despite external challenges, supported by strong policy measures and a diversified trade partner structure [2][4][5]. Group 1: Foreign Trade Performance - In the first half of the year, China's total import and export volume reached 21.79 trillion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 2.9% [2]. - Exports in June alone increased by 7.2% year-on-year, indicating strong external resilience [2]. - Trade with Africa reached a record high of 1.18 trillion yuan, growing by 14.4%, with exports to Africa increasing by 23.0% [2]. Group 2: Trade Structure and Product Competitiveness - The export of mechanical and electrical products amounted to 7.8 trillion yuan, growing by 9.5%, accounting for 60% of total exports [3]. - High-tech and high-value-added products, such as electric vehicles and industrial robots, are leading the growth in exports [3][4]. - The diversification of trade partners, particularly with RCEP countries, has contributed to the stability of foreign trade [4][6]. Group 3: Policy Support and Market Diversification - Strong policy support has been crucial, with the government emphasizing high-level openness and stability in foreign trade and investment [5][12]. - The number of newly established foreign-funded enterprises exceeded 59,000, reflecting a 9.9% year-on-year increase, indicating strong market confidence [17]. - The focus on high-value industries, such as pharmaceuticals and technology services, shows a shift in foreign investment towards more advanced sectors [17][18]. Group 4: Service Trade Development - Service trade is expected to become a key growth area, with a projected total import and export volume exceeding 7.5 trillion yuan in 2024, growing at 14.4% [8]. - Knowledge-intensive service trade is showing significant growth, with personal cultural and entertainment services exports increasing by 39.3% [9][10]. - The structural upgrade in service trade is supported by policy initiatives aimed at enhancing market access and promoting high-quality development [10][11]. Group 5: Integration of Domestic and Foreign Trade - The integration of domestic and foreign trade is seen as a strategy to buffer against external risks, leveraging the domestic market to offset declining external demand [14]. - Policies are being implemented to reduce operational costs for foreign trade enterprises transitioning to domestic sales [14][13]. - The establishment of a unified national market is aimed at facilitating smoother operations for businesses facing different market standards [14]. Group 6: Foreign Investment Trends - Despite a global decline in foreign direct investment, China's actual use of foreign investment remained high at approximately $163 billion in 2023, reflecting a strategic shift towards deeper engagement in the Chinese market [16][18]. - The focus on high-value sectors is evident, with significant growth in e-commerce services and aerospace manufacturing [17]. - The removal of restrictions in the manufacturing sector and the gradual opening of service industries signal China's commitment to attracting foreign investment [18][19]. Group 7: Free Trade Zones and High-Level Openness - Free trade zones have become critical in stabilizing foreign trade and investment, with innovative policies reducing institutional costs for businesses [19]. - The emphasis on aligning with international high-standard trade rules is expected to enhance China's global trade position [20]. - The integration of policy innovations within free trade zones aims to create a more favorable business environment and attract foreign investment [20].