Negative list management system in place for cross-border trade

Photo shows a view of Nansha Port in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

China will establish and improve a negative list management system for cross-border trade in services, said a policy document released by the State Council, the country's Cabinet, on Monday.

A comprehensive negative list for cross-border trade in services will be implemented, accompanied by the establishment of a corresponding management system, according to the government's guideline on promoting high-quality growth of trade in services through high-level opening-up.

Cross-border trade in services not included in the negative list will be managed based on the principle of providing equal treatment to both domestic and foreign service providers, said the State Council.

To deepen international cooperation in this area, China will reinforce key global partnerships and actively explore emerging markets. The country will also strengthen collaboration in trade in services and digital trade with economies participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, the document said.

In contrast to goods trade, trade in services refers to the sale and delivery of intangible services such as transportation, finance, tourism, technical and professional services, construction, advertising, computing, and accounting.