The China General Chamber of Commerce joined hands with seven business associations in China on Friday issued a proposal to bolster domestic trade and expand local markets in response to increased tariffs from the United States.
The proposal condemned the hegemonic and bullying actions of the U.S. government, which has recently used tariffs as a tool for extreme pressure and self-interest. Such actions have violated the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), undermined the rule-based multilateral trade system, and disrupted the global economic order, said the proposal.
The proposal called for efforts to explore domestic market and help exporters shift their focus to domestic sales.
Commodity markets, department stores, chain supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms should set up green channels for foreign trade enterprises lacking established domestic sales networks, and set up dedicated spaces to showcase and sell their products, the proposal said.
Promotional events should also be held for foreign trade enterprises to display high-quality products and connect with domestic consumers, according to the proposal.
The proposal also encourages dining and hospitality providers to purchase foreign trade items, such as food, utensils, and hotel supplies, to bolster domestic sales. Meanwhile, foreign trade enterprises should also leverage their channels to carry out promotional activities both online and offline, the proposal said.
The seven business associations are the China Chain Store and Franchise Association, the China Commerce Association for General Merchandise, the China Cuisine Association, the China Hospitality Association, the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry, the China Federation of Urban Commercial Outlets Construction Administration and the China Friendship External Supplier Association of Commerce.
Chinese business associations jointly call for domestic market expansion amid US tariff hikes
The Water-Splashing Festival in southwest China's Yunnan Province has drawn visitors from across the country and beyond, fueling a significant surge in tourism revenue for the region.
The festival, marking the New Year for the Dai people, originated as a spiritual ritual to bring blessings and wash away misfortune. Over time, it has transformed into a major attraction, drawing travelers from across China and beyond.
Celebrations began on Sunday, drawing locals and tourists into the centuries-old traditions of the Dai ethnic group.
On Tuesday, a grand annual water-splashing carnival took place in Jinghong of Yunnan's Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, with water flying through the air and laughter echoing through the streets.
Armed with basins, water bags, and water guns, revelers turned the streets into a playful battleground of goodwill, and even police officers are not exempted.
"I come from Taitung of Taiwan Province. I'm having such a fun time here. I wish I could come everyday. This is awesome," said Wu, a tourist.
"I'm from Liangshan in Sichuan. Today has been a lot of fun! You could come visit us in July during the Torch Festival, and you can actually play with fire," said Ziluo, another tourist.
The festival is also celebrated in some Southeast Asian countries, where it's widely known as Songkran.
Renowned for its tropical landscapes and rich ethnic culture, Xishuangbanna is a top travel destination, and the festival is giving a strong boost to the local tourism sector.
"Overall the tourist volume has significantly increased from previous years. According to our preliminary estimates, between April 11 and 14, tourist visits reached 1.6 million, generating approximately 1.658 billion yuan in total consumption," said Sui Jianfei, head of the Jinghong Cultural and Tourism Bureau.
The local government hopes to elevate the city's profile through the event, aiming to leverage the visa-free transit policy to attract more visitors to Xishuangbanna.
Water-splashing Festival in Yunnan sparks tourism boom
