China is stepping up efforts to grow its economy and expand international trade by supporting free trade zones (FTZs) to develop emerging industries and enhance overseas services to help businesses go global.

Wang Ya, an official heading the foreign investment management department at the Ministry of Commerce, shared their plans at a press conference on Jan 26.

Wang said that China is poised to further optimize the layout of FTZs to enable broader experimentation and innovation, particularly in emerging industries.

The government is also focusing on building a comprehensive overseas service system by supporting more regions in developing service platforms and establishing service stations that make it easier for Chinese businesses to operate on a global scale.

A national-level comprehensive online service platform will soon be available on the Ministry of Commerce website. It will provide businesses with a one-stop service for going abroad, offering resources in legal, financial, and trade areas.

Areas like Zhejiang, Shanghai, and Shenzhen are already developing their own service platforms to help businesses expand internationally. These platforms offer integrated services to streamline the process.

China plans to establish service stations in key countries and regions. These stations will support Chinese businesses with their international operations and market expansion.

The government is encouraging the development of international service providers to help businesses address challenges abroad. This includes support from the legal, financial, and logistics sectors.

Additionally, China plans to further open its service sector in 2026, focusing on telecommunications, healthcare, and education. The aim is to help foreign service companies grow and innovate.