China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng Says Country Aims to Boost Imports, Dismisses Big Trade Surplus Concerns

China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng emphasized that China has never intended to maintain an excessively large trade surplus and aims to position itself as “the world’s market” to support global economic growth. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, He Lifeng stressed that China is ready to expand imports and purchase more goods from other countries, highlighting the country’s commitment to opening its domestic market further to international businesses.

His comments come in the wake of China recording a record trade surplus, a development that has raised concerns among many of its trade partners about global trade imbalances. He Lifeng reassured the international community that China’s large trade surplus is not the result of restricting imports, but rather reflects the country’s strong export performance. He underlined China’s intention to use its vast economy to increase imports of energy, raw materials, technology, and consumer goods, supporting global demand and contributing to worldwide economic stability.

He Lifeng also noted that China is taking steps to improve market access, streamline trade procedures, and create a fair and predictable business environment for foreign companies. By encouraging more cross-border trade, China aims to not only benefit its own consumers and businesses but also strengthen the global supply chain and promote sustainable economic growth across the world.

This approach aligns with China’s broader economic strategy of balancing trade, fostering international cooperation, and positioning itself as a key driver of global trade and investment in the coming years.