Trade touching new heights
Both import and export trade in Heilongjiang are on the upswing.
Ye Xiaofeng, director of the Heilongjiang Commerce Department, said the province was taking solid steps to take trade to new heights.
The value of foreign trade in Heilongjiang exceeded $13 billion last year, while trade with Russia reached a historic high when it yielded US$6.09 billion during the first 11 months of last year, meeting the annual target one month early.
Heilongjiang's foreign trade has been characterized by the export of high-tech items and machinery, and its momentum of growth is expected to continue this year.
Favorable environment
"In a bid to boost foreign trade in Heilongjiang, formation of a favorable environment is an important factor to achieve greater progress," Ye said.
He explained that the implementation of some preferential policies this year, such as those concerning import and export quotas and border trade taxation, will further help remove any obstacles on the road to progress.
"Relevant government authorities at different levels will actively cooperate with the department by providing local professional researchers and related capital," Ye assured.
Effective reforms
Intensive reform and opening-up in Heilongjiang are helping foreign trade prosper.
"A series of measures have been undertaken in order to boost industrial restructuring for the wider overseas market," Ye said.
Further, more timely and effective investment services have been provided to encourage more investment abroad through various channels.
Ye predicted that economic cooperation with different countries will take on a new dimension this year.
Taking advantage of the geographical location of Heilongjiang Province, the department has promoted further deepening of ties with Russia.
For example, some events like "Russian Year in China" last year and the annual China Harbin International Fair for Economic cooperation and Trade have led to greater mutual economic cooperation and opened up new avenues for trade.
Ye said economic cooperation with countries from Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America was expected to increase in 2007.
The commerce department in the province has already helped a large number of local enterprises in Heilongjiang make investments in countries like the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Nigeria, in order to foster a better understanding of the overseas market.
The department's director said that a series of long-term mechanisms had been established to regulate the market economy, like protecting the right to property and other legitimate rights.
(China Daily 03/07/2007 page20)
