(Photo: CGTN)

China's State Council has issued a statement on expanding imports in order to improve the quality of the domestic supply, meet the upgraded consumption needs of the people, and advance the country's trade balance. 

The statement points out that the country will support the import of products related to the people’s livelihoods, such as daily consumer goods, medicine, and senior-care equipment. 

It outlines that the country will develop service trade such as import technological equipment that will foster industrial upgrades and increase the import of agricultural and resource products.

The statement also calls for strengthening cooperation with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, including the establishment of free trade zones and to continue to give preferential tariff policies.

It states that the country will strive to build China International Import Expo into an open, cooperative platform for countries across the world to conduct international trade. The expo will become a landmark project with a high level of openness.

It calls for improvements in the domestic business environment in a bid to attract foreign investment and innovate in import modes. 

The statement says the country will build up an international-level “single window” to simplify the customs process and lower institutional costs.