Improved market access given high priority

An aerial drone photo taken on July 3, 2024 shows a fully automated container terminal of Qingdao Port in operation in Shandong province. Experts said the country's ongoing efforts to refine its market access system and remove barriers have showcased China's firm determination to promote a better combination of efficient markets and competent government, which will help further stimulate market vitality, foster new quality productive forces, and promote high-quality development over the long run. He said the upcoming new version of the negative list will fully implement the requirements outlined in the guideline released last week to improve the market access system, closely aligning with a new round of institutional reforms including reforms of the administrative approval system and reforms for separating operating permits from business licenses. Citing China's stepped-up efforts to optimize market access, Guo Liyan, deputy director of the Economic Research Institute of the China Academy of Macroeconomic Research, said the country aims to build an open, transparent, rules-based market access system that will provide a level playing field, clearly define rights and responsibilities, and ensure effective oversight. "Those moves mark key steps toward improving the system of equitable market access that is compatible with the development of new quality productive forces," she said.