Shanghai announced a total of 10 new measures on Sunday to support the development of its debut economy, aiming to strengthen its position as a global hub for brand debuts.
The initiatives include pilot programs for streamlined inspection of imported consumer goods, a fast-track customs clearance model for imported cosmetics, and enhanced enterprise service packages for imported products.
Official data showed that, by the end of 2024, Shanghai had hosted over 3,500 brand launch events and welcomed 1,269 new first stores that year.
To further boost its debut economy, the city plans to increase financial support for product debuts at exhibitions and high-profile flagship store openings.
Shanghai introduces new measures to support debut economy
Chinese experts in mainland-Taiwan relations on Tuesday strongly criticized Lai Ching-te and the Democratic Progressive Party he leads for intentionally stirring up trouble across the Taiwan Strait and blocking exchanges between people on the two sides of the Strait.
Their denunciation came at an event held in Beijing marking the launch of the 2024 edition of a handbook on the Taiwan question, which is compiled by Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.
At a press conference on March 13, Lai unveiled 17 strategies to counter so-called "threats" from the Chinese mainland facing the island, which has sparked strong concerns from people in various sectors of Taiwan.
Experts said Lai's move once again revealed the true nature of his Taiwan separatist attempts and his stance against cross-Strait communication and peace.
"All he [Lai Ching-te] wants is to stir up societal unrest to consolidate the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) rule and political interests. He seeks to incite extreme populism to mislead certain groups, especially the young people," said Zheng Jian, deputy director of the Research Committee of the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification.
"I believe that Lai's rhetoric is aimed at sowing discord between people on both sides of the Strait, obstructing cross-Strait exchanges, and inciting confrontation across the Strait. He seeks to create a climate of 'green terror' in Taiwan and cause a chilling effect among the Taiwan public. As a matter of fact, Lai's remarks have met the firm refute and opposition of many people in Taiwan. We must recognize that people on both sides of the Strait belong to one family and share the bond of kinship. I believe that our compatriots in Taiwan, inspired by the strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, will work together to promote common development across the Strait and contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," said Yang Yizhou, vice chairman of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots.
Experts condemn Lai Ching-te’s separatist rhetoric, stress cross-Strait unity
