A SERIES of measures will be taken by the government to help improve the city’s competitiveness in foreign trading this year, according to the city’s commerce bureau.

    The city will support foreign trading companies and help them upgrade and exploit new markets.

    Steps would also be taken to help improve trading companies’ abilities to exploit international markets, simplify procedures and guide them to do business directly with developed countries. It will also help companies build marketing networks, design teams and after-sales service systems.

    Cooperation platforms with trading companies, universities and research organizations will also be built to help improve exports and increase their added value.

    A public platform will also be built, offering services such as research design and development, product monitoring and information services to foreign trading companies.

    The city will also implement more preferential policies to encourage exports and help companies upgrade their technology, key equipment and parts. Raw material imports, such as cotton and rubber, will also be supported by the government.

    (Wang Yuanyuan, Zhou Jianliang)