ޝާއިޢުކުރެވިފައި · Maldives

China's Nine-Department Plan to Boost Tech-Driven Commerce: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

A practical summary of China's new policy to accelerate technology in commerce, covering AI, smart retail, supply chains, and support measures relevant to foreign founders operating in China.

Overview of the Policy

China's Ministry of Commerce and eight other government departments have issued a joint opinion on accelerating technology-driven commerce (科技兴商). The policy aims to leverage technological innovation to modernize trade and consumption, supporting the creation of a strong domestic market. For foreign founders, this signals upcoming opportunities and regulatory shifts in retail, e-commerce, logistics, and services.

The policy focuses on applying technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, blockchain, digital twins, and embodied intelligence across the commerce chain to make it more intelligent, green, and integrated.

Key Measures Relevant to Foreign Businesses

1. Smart Product Supply and Consumption

The plan encourages the development of smart products (smartphones, computers, home appliances, wearables, robots) and supports open-source operating systems. It promotes flexible manufacturing and consumer-to-manufacturer (C2M) models, as well as AI-based personalized customization. Foreign companies in consumer tech or e-commerce may find new partnership and innovation opportunities.

2. Service Sector Upgrades

Innovations in household services, dining, healthcare, elderly care, education, culture, tourism, and sports are encouraged. This includes smart service platforms, digital transformation in catering, and AI applications in health management and rehabilitation. Foreign service providers with tech-enabled solutions could tap into these areas.

3. Supply Chain and Retail Digitalization

The policy calls for smart supply chains using IoT, cloud, and blockchain; intelligent warehouses, logistics equipment, and unmanned delivery. It also promotes digital upgrades in wholesale and retail, including smart management of stores, inventory, logistics, and traceability. Foreign logistics and retail tech firms may benefit from these trends.

4. E-commerce Quality Ecosystem

Initiatives include quality e-commerce cultivation, "authenticate before shipping" models, stricter quality standards for key product categories, and enhanced CCC certification checks online. Foreign brands selling on Chinese e-commerce platforms should ensure compliance with these evolving standards.

5. Intelligent and Green Scenarios

The plan supports commercial intelligent agents (e.g., smart shopping guides), embodied intelligence in commerce, and digital twin applications. Green initiatives include carbon footprint tracking via blockchain, green stores, restaurants, and logistics parks, and smart recycling. Foreign companies with green tech or smart retail solutions may find niches.

6. Standards and Infrastructure

China will implement national standards for AI terminal intelligence and upgrade commerce standards. It will also build digital infrastructure, including industrial internet and cloud platforms, and support AI startups with computing power. High-quality datasets and trusted data spaces will be established. Foreign founders should monitor standardization developments that could affect market access.

7. Safety and Governance

A tiered governance approach for commercial intelligent agents will be adopted, along with data security risk monitoring and a negative list for data applications. Inclusive and prudent regulation will allow sandbox testing for new technologies. Foreign companies must navigate data compliance carefully.

8. R&D, Talent, and Financial Support

The policy encourages R&D in new displays, smart terminals, and frontier technologies like brain-computer interfaces. It supports commercial technology innovation centers and technology transfer institutions. Talent development includes joint training programs and new occupational categories. Financial support will be provided through existing funding channels and encouraged financial institution backing for new consumption scenarios and equipment upgrades.

Implications for Foreign Founders

Foreign founders registering or operating a company in China should note the emphasis on technology integration across commerce. Sectors such as smart retail, e-commerce, logistics tech, green tech, and digital services are likely to see policy support. However, compliance with standards, data security, and certification requirements will be crucial. The policy also highlights talent development and financial incentives, which could benefit foreign-invested enterprises involved in these areas.

Staying informed about local implementation and pilot programs will be important, as specifics may vary by region.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

For assistance with company registration and operations in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.