Heilongjiang Province will target both international and domestic markets to boost foreign trade and spur consumers' expenditure, said a senior official from the provincial department of commerce.

Ye Xiaofeng, director of the province's department of commerce, told China Daily that the province aims to realize an import and export value of US$11.5 billion this year, an increase of more than 20 per cent over last year.

At the same time, the retail value of the province's consumer products will reach 198 billion yuan (US$24.75 billion), up 13 per cent from last year.

"To achieve the goals, commodity circulation on the local market should be improved, while international trade needs to expand its scale and optimize the structure," said Ye.

This year, the province will set up a standard system in commodity circulation to push forward the construction of a modern commodity market system, the director said.

During the process, modern circulation methods such as chainstore operations, logistics distribution and electronic commerce (e-commerce) will be greatly developed, he added.

The province plans to construct a central business district, some regional business centres, community commerce and commercial streets for local specialties.

It will also accelerate the development of multi-functional, multi-level and various commercial outlets that conform to an urban economy and global trade.

To create a time-saving, cost-effective and convenient market environment for farmers, the province will raise 6 million yuan (US$750,000) to renovate and set up another 1,500 standard "farmers' shops" on the basis of the existing 1,500 demonstrative shops.

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