(ECNS) -- China's cross-border e-commerce import and export has continued to experience stable growth in the first half of the year, growing 10.5 percent compared to the same period last year, a commerce official said Friday.
It outpaced the overall national foreign trade growth rate by 4.4 percentage points, stated Li Xingqian, director general of the Ministry of Commerce's Department of Foreign Trade, at a press conference.
A recent survey conducted by the ministry indicates that nearly 80 percent of cross-border e-commerce enterprises are optimistic about growth momentum in the second half of the year.
Li mentioned that China's import and export growth with countries including France, Belgium, Spain, and Malaysia has been particularly rapid.
Consumer goods are China’s main export products, and the growth of some high-value-added products is encouraging. For instance, the export of office equipment and cameras increased by 50.7 percent and 30.7 percent, respectively.
Imports from overseas are also popular with domestic consumers. The imports of food, luggage, and wine have soared by 22.8 percent, 70.8 percent, and 55.4 percent.
Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces are the major sources and destinations of cross-border e-commerce import and export, accounting for nearly 90 percent of the nation's cross-border e-commerce trade.
In the second half of the year, the 136th Canton Fair will be held. The Ministry of Commerce will continue to set up a special exhibition area for cross-border e-commerce and encourage Chinese logistics companies to strengthen international cooperation with host country delivery companies.
The ministry said it is committed to developing "Silk Road E-commerce," supporting comprehensive pilot zones for cross-border e-commerce, and encouraging industry and enterprises at all levels to actively engage in international exchanges and cooperation.
It further urges cross-border e-commerce platforms to expand the range of products and service functions.