China has already had its trade influence being felt as a big trade partner on world market but it has still a long way to go before turning a world trade power, said Gao Yan, spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (MOFTEC) of China.
Gao Yan told reporters that China's import/export trade volume totaled US$4 74.3 billion last year, 31.5 percent increase over the previous year, with its standing rising to the 7th place from former 9th, surpassing Italy and Netherlands. China's exports took the world 7th, or 3.9 percent of world total; its imports, world 8th, 3.4 percent of world total. In this sense, China claims the status being a big trading nation on world market.
On the question when would China become a strong world trade power, Gao Yan pointed out that China is a big country by its foreign trade volume, but it still can't be listed as a strong world trade power. This is because China still suffers a weak capability against possible hazards involved in foreign trade and backward trade methods. A long way therefore compels China to go to attain its goal to become a strong world trade power.
Gao Yan said that there is no uniform standard for a world trade power, but such a powerful nation, in her opinion, should be provided with the following aspects: first, its foreign trade should keep up a sustained growth and be able to stand all possible risks. Second, it should further optimize its trade structure and achieve an increased proportion of high-tech exports. Third, it should have raised competitiveness. Last, increased advanced means should be used in trade, such as e-business.
Gao pointed out that China is sure to become a world economic force and a strong world trade power through construction over a time span of two successive "Five-year" plans in the coming 10 years.
(People's Daily 04/16/2001)
