Web 'answer to export woes'

With traditional exports in June having posted the biggest decline since the 2009 global downturn, China aims to promote further growth in cross-border e-commerce, a Ministry of Commerce source said.

"Promoting outbound shipments through the Internet is becoming an increasingly important task for Chinese exporters and manufacturers," said the official in the foreign trade department, speaking on condition of anonymity.

An e-commerce stand set up by Dongcheng district at the Beijing International Fair for Trade in Services. The country is preparing measures to promote cross-border e-commerce in a bid to boost foreign trade.PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY

The ministry is "drafting detailed policies" that will probably take effect later this year. The measures would give "a big boost" to Chinese exports, said the source.

Europe's economic problems, rising costs and growing trade protectionism all combined to constrain exports in the first half of the year.

In June, exports contracted 3.1 percent year-on-year, the first monthly decrease since January 2012 and the biggest decline since the 2009 recession, according to the General Administration of Customs.

Over the past few weeks, the government has acted to stabilize trade. In late July, citing the complex and challenging trade environment, the central government pledged to improve policies and services and widen channels for exports.

The government also said the nation would maintain stable economic growth in the second half by fine-tuning policies.

"The measures and commitments are very important for Chinese exports. There are more in the pipeline, mainly about e-commerce," said the source.

According to the source, the policies aim to provide convenient and efficient e-commerce platforms for exporters and help them enlarge their overseas network and reduce costs.

The policies cover a wide range of issues concerning customs clearance, foreign exchange, taxes and inspections.

Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng said during a group interview last week that China has confidence in reaching this year's growth target for foreign trade, although the outlook for exports in the second half is not optimistic.

Gao said that in addition to implementing the measures announced by the State Council, the ministry would support new ways of conducting foreign trade that hold vast potential, including cross-border e-commerce.