On May 14, 2007, Wang Showmen, Director of the Department of Foreign Trade of the Ministry expressed that expansion of import is a key measure to balance import and export. In 2007, the Ministry of Commerce will take the following specific measures to facilitate import:

1. Actively make a full play of CANTON fair?a facilitator for import and export functions. In 2007, the 101st CANTON fair first increased the contents of import exhibition, altogether attracted 314 exhibitors from 36 countries (regions) participating in GTF.

2. Research in encouraging import credit policy. Meanwhile, taking into account the application of economic measures such as tariff regulation, focusing on encouraging the expansion of importing the following items: key parts of important equipment, advanced technology and equipment, and merchandises of important resources.

3. Strengthen publicity to encourage enterprises to expand import by taking advantage of bilateral preferential trading arrangements. Currently, China has signed a number of agreements, such as "Bangkok Agreement", "China and Pakistan Preferential Trade Arrangements", "China and ASEAN Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement", etc. It is suggested that enterprises at large actively expand import by availing themselves of the preferential trade arrangements stipulated in these agreements. In addition, China has implemented zero tariff treatment for 442 categories of goods from 34 most undeveloped countries; enterprises should take advantage of the policy and actively expand their import from these countries.

4. To accelerate and improve import facilitation. Since 2007, our country has already canceled automatic-import-licensing administration for 851 commodities. The next step will be providing more convenience for enterprises in quality inspection, customs declaration, and other sectors.