Easier trade procedures to energize cooperation

Vice-premier urges forum to combat smuggling, counter protectionist forces

Vice-Premier Wang Yang on Wednesday called for closer cooperation between the customs authorities of countries along the new Silk Road to allow more efficient trading procedures and cross-border e-commerce activities.

The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiatives were put forward by President Xi Jinping in 2013, with the purpose of rejuvenating the two ancient trading routes and further opening up the markets.