BEIJING - A guideline issued Friday by the State Council, China's cabinet, outlined measures toimprove port services and support foreign trade.
To speed up customs clearance, authorities will cut red tape and minimize unnecessary work inthe ports themselves, according to the document released on Friday.
"These measures focus on supporting foreign trade with easier and better customs clearanceservices," said Huang Shengqiang, director of the General Administration of Customs' portmanagement office.
Charges for hoisting, moving and storing qualified cargo will be waived, and cargo examinationprocedures will be reviewed to ensure they cause minimal disturbance to businesses, thedocument said.
To tackle the prevalence of irregular charges and illegal agencies, all fees will be standardized, amove that will lower costs for businesses.
Customs clearance will no longer be heavily-paperwork based, instead online and digital toolswill be used. This will also expedite the export rebate process.
The digitalization of customs clearance will include a self-service system for tourists entering andleaving the country, as well as online apps that will simplify the import and export of vehicles.
Huang said 293 ports had been authorized to open up to foreign trade, which would not only fuelmajor domestic-led strategies but also drive growth in neighboring countries.
The State Council said the building of ports and infrastructure projects in countries along majorglobal transportation channels would also be prioritized.
In accordance with the underlying concepts of the Belt and Road Initiative, all ports shouldcooperate with each other, forming leading groups to integrate their work.
In addition, enterprises will be encouraged to take advantage of these new dynamic port areasand establish offices, bases or distribution centers.