Zhang Li (center), an assistant minister of commerce, chairs a roundtable meeting with foreign trade companies in Beijing on December 23, 2025. Representatives from 10 firms attended the meeting, exchanging views on China's import and export performance in 2025 and the outlook for foreign trade in 2026. Photo: Website of the China's Ministry of Commerce

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Tuesday that it would step up policy support to foster innovation-driven development in foreign trade, during a roundtable meeting with foreign trade companies, according to the ministry's official website.

The roundtable was chaired by Zhang Li, an assistant minister of commerce, and attended by representatives from 10foreign trade companies. Participants exchanged views on China's import and export performance in 2025 and the outlook for foreign trade in 2026, MOFCOM said on Wednesday.
 
Zhang said that since the start of the year, China's foreign trade has withstood pressure from an exceptionally complex and challenging external environment, achieving relatively fast growth, continued structural improvement, and making positive contributions to overall economic growth and employment stability. 

MOFCOM vows to fully implement the decisions and arrangements of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, promote innovation in foreign trade, advance the integrated development of trade and investment as well as domestic and foreign trade, and help ensure a solid start of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2023-30) period.

Officials from the MOFCOM, the People's Bank of China, the General Administration of Customs and the State Taxation Administration responded to issues and suggestions raised by participating companies during the meeting.

Company representatives attending the meeting said that a series of foreign trade policies introduced by the Chinese government this year have helped businesses move toward higher-quality development and expand space for trade cooperation, MOFCOM said.

They added that enterprises are confident in navigating uncertainties in the international environment and achieving steady business growth.

Global Times