Hong Xiaodong, an expert from the China Society for World Trade Organization Studies and former director-general of the WTO Department at the Ministry of Commerce, spoke at the 2023 Cross-border E-commerce Conference. He emphasized that cross-border e-commerce is crucial for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to integrate domestic and foreign trade, enabling smooth market transitions. The December 1st State Council meeting stressed aligning domestic and foreign trade rules to facilitate this integration.
Cross-border e-commerce utilizes overseas apps to access global markets, exporting affordable, high-quality Chinese products. This is the most effective way formicro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to achieve integrated trade. With China's efficient industrial supply chain, platforms like Alibaba and Shein can maximize domestic supply chain utilization. Professionalizing platform services and factory production allows seamless integration of online and offline industries, boosting foreign trade growth.
The core of cross-border e-commerce platforms is specialized services, with digitalization introducing new models while serving enterprises and consumers remains paramount. The integration of domestic and foreign trade offers opportunities, with domestic policies and international regulations creating new prospects. Domestically, cross-border e-commerce platforms receive policy support, establishing an advanced system. Internationally, active participation in international e-commerce rule formulation is crucial.
Hong highlighted four paths for international cooperation: RCEP, WTO e-commerce negotiations, joining DEPA, and "Belt and Road" cross-border e-commerce cooperation. These efforts will enhance China's openness in e-commerce regulations and boost its international influence.
RCEP is set to become a cross-border e-commerce hub, promoting regional supply chain integration and facilitating smoother trade with policies like 48-hour goods clearance. Its e-commerce chapter covers paperless trade, electronic authentication, and consumer protection, with consensus reached on cross-border data issues.
WTO members are negotiating e-commerce rules, with 12 provisions agreed upon. Chinese platforms will benefit from domestic support and high-standard WTO rules.
DEPA, focusing on business and trade facilitation, includes paperless trade and electronic payment provisions, offering rule-based benefits to cross-border e-commerce.
The "Belt and Road" initiative reduces trade costs through digital technology. China will establish the Silk Road E-commerce Cooperation Pilot Zone, approved by the State Council, to conduct rule "pilot tests" and expand openness in regulations and management standards. Hong believes successful pilot implementation will lead to nationwide normalization.
