Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the resilience and progress of China's business development during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, showcasing significant advancements in consumption, foreign trade, foreign investment, and international cooperation despite various challenges faced [1][10][24]. Consumption Market - The consumption market in China has shown robust growth, with the total retail sales of consumer goods expected to exceed 50 trillion yuan this year, reflecting an annual growth rate of 5.5% over the past four years [10]. - There is a notable shift in consumer demand from survival-oriented consumption to development and enjoyment-oriented consumption, indicating a transformation in lifestyle and purchasing behavior [11]. Foreign Trade - China's foreign trade has demonstrated strong resilience, with exports increasing from 2.6 trillion USD in 2020 to 3.6 trillion USD in 2024, marking a growth of 1 trillion USD [15]. - The country has maintained its position as the world's largest trader, with a trade volume reaching 6.16 trillion USD in 2024, a 32.4% increase from the end of the "13th Five-Year Plan" [13][15]. Foreign Investment and Cooperation - The negative list for foreign investment access has been continuously reduced, with all restrictions in the manufacturing sector eliminated, promoting a more open business environment [22]. - China has expanded its list of countries with visa-free and transit visa-free policies to 47 and 55 respectively, facilitating increased foreign tourism and investment [10][22]. Innovative Business Models - The "Shanghai Summer" international consumption season has been launched, enhancing services for foreign travelers and integrating cultural experiences into traditional tourist sites like Yuyuan Garden [9][10]. - New consumption scenarios have been developed, such as the integration of traditional culture with modern consumer needs, particularly targeting younger demographics [7][9]. Logistics and Transportation - The Ningbo-Zhoushan Port has achieved a record of 1.8 million standard containers in sea-rail intermodal transport in 2024, reflecting a 10% year-on-year growth [13]. - The introduction of direct shipping routes, such as the "China-Europe Express," has improved logistics efficiency, particularly for electric vehicles and lithium batteries [20].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of deepening reforms and enhancing the level of openness in China's economy, particularly through the Shanghai Free Trade Zone's (FTZ) initiatives to align with high-standard international trade rules [1]. Group 1: Policy Initiatives - The State Council has issued a comprehensive plan to align with international high-standard trade rules, implementing 80 pilot measures in the Shanghai FTZ [1]. - A recent notification aims to replicate 77 successful pilot measures from the Shanghai FTZ to other regions, enhancing the overall efficiency and attractiveness of China's trade environment [2]. Group 2: Operational Efficiency - The "zone-port integration" model in the Shanghai FTZ has significantly improved operational efficiency, reducing the customs clearance time for a fully loaded car carrier by approximately 1.5 days, leading to a 50% increase in import and export efficiency [2]. - The international transshipment and consolidation center at Yangshan Port has optimized its operations, allowing for faster processing times and a reduction in overall operational costs, with the proportion of international transshipment cargo rising from 12.6% to 18.6% [4]. Group 3: Economic Impact - From January to May 2023, the total import and export value of the Shanghai FTZ exceeded 900 billion yuan, accounting for over 26% of the national FTZ's total [3]. - The introduction of new business models, such as international consolidation services, has injected new momentum into economic development, with projected completion of 30,000 standard containers in international consolidation by 2024 [3]. Group 4: Digital Trade and Payment Innovations - The Shanghai FTZ has implemented measures to facilitate cross-border data flow and digital trade, resulting in a 4.9% year-on-year increase in digital trade imports and exports, reaching 109.53 billion USD in 2024 [5]. - The introduction of digital identity cross-border authentication has enhanced payment convenience for foreign tourists, allowing for seamless transactions through various payment methods [6]. Group 5: Future Directions - The Ministry of Commerce plans to support further alignment with international high-standard trade rules and expand the scope of pilot programs to foster new business models and innovations [7].