Core Insights - The State Administration of Foreign Exchange reported that in April 2023, China's goods and services trade reached 43,706 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 6% [1] - The trade surplus in goods was 4,464 billion yuan, while the services trade recorded a deficit of 1,138 billion yuan [1] - The service trade sector is increasingly becoming a key driver for China's foreign trade, with significant growth in knowledge-intensive and travel services [1] Group 1: Service Trade Performance - In 2024, the total service trade import and export volume is expected to exceed 7.5 trillion yuan, surpassing 1 trillion USD, maintaining China's position as the second-largest globally [1] - Travel services, as a traditional strength, are experiencing rapid growth due to policy relaxation and rising consumer demand, becoming the largest sector in service trade [1] - Emerging service sectors such as digital culture, online education, and cross-border healthcare are gaining traction, characterized by high added value and strong penetration [1] Group 2: Challenges in Service Trade - Service trade is primarily concentrated in eastern regions like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong, while central and western provinces face challenges due to weak industrial foundations and talent shortages [2] - There is a lack of internationally influential domestic enterprises and service brands in high-end knowledge-intensive services such as legal, financial, and consulting services, indicating a need for structural optimization [2] Group 3: Strategic Recommendations - To enhance service trade quality, it is essential to deepen institutional openness and create a higher-level open environment, including improving the negative list system for cross-border service trade [2] - Encouraging manufacturing enterprises to transition to service-oriented models and developing integrated service export modes can expand the service value chain [3] - Strengthening digital capabilities and building platform-based service capacities through advanced technologies like 5G and AI will diversify and enhance service delivery methods [3] Group 4: Talent and Standards Development - Establishing a training system for composite talents in service trade and promoting cooperation among universities, industry associations, and enterprises is crucial for developing specialized courses [4] - Building a cross-border service talent certification system and enhancing the service trade standard system will improve China's influence in global service governance [4]

Core Points - The Qianhai Shekou Free Trade Zone will promote institutional opening of service trade, facilitating cross-border flow of factors and expanding international markets [1] - The implementation of a negative list for cross-border service trade will allow foreign individuals to engage in securities investment consulting, futures trading consulting, and open securities accounts [1] - The CEPA service trade agreement will be implemented to support Hong Kong and Macau banks in conducting card business and allow Hong Kong investors to invest in film production, enhancing the level of service trade liberalization with Hong Kong and Macau [1]