Commerce Ministry Holds Policy-Interpretation Roundtable with Foreign-invested Enterprises

China foreign-invested enterprises roundtable

Key Points

Vice Minister Ling Ji convenes meeting with 170+ foreign firms and chambers

On October 20, the Ministry of Commerce (Shangwubu 商务部) hosted a special policy-interpretation roundtable for foreign-invested enterprises in Beijing.

The meeting was chaired by Vice Minister and Deputy Representative for International Trade Negotiations Ling Ji (Ling Ji 凌激).

More than 170 foreign-invested companies and representatives of foreign chambers of commerce in China attended.

Officials from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (Gongye he Xinxi Huabù 工业和信息化部), the Ministry of Finance (Caizhengbu 财政部) and relevant departments of the Ministry of Commerce provided policy explanations and responded to issues raised by the foreign business community.

Context: stability, opportunity and recent policy steps

Ling Ji noted that the 20th Central Committee’s Fourth Plenary Session of the Communist Party of China (Dì 20 Jiè Sìzhōng Quánhùi 二十届四中全会) opened today and will sketch China’s development blueprint for the coming five years.

He reviewed recent performance under the 14th Five‑Year Plan (Shísì wǔ 十四五): China’s GDP grew at an average annual rate of about 5.5% during the first four years of the plan, demonstrating strong resilience and significant potential despite a complex and severe external environment.

According to Ling, that resilience and dynamism create broad opportunities and positive expectations for foreign-invested enterprises operating in China.

He emphasized that Chinese authorities are taking steps to protect and expand those opportunities.

Government procurement rules and transparency

Ling said that, in September, relevant Chinese authorities widely solicited opinions from businesses and the public, referenced international practices, and — after careful consideration — issued the “Notice on Implementing Domestic Product Standards and Related Policies in Government Procurement” (Guanyu zai zhengfu caigou zhong shishi benguochanpin biaozhun ji xiangguan zhengce de tongzhi 关于在政府采购中实施本国产品标准及相关政策的通知).

The notice clarifies that all types of market entities will equally enjoy relevant support policies and aims to effectively safeguard the lawful rights of foreign firms participating in government procurement.

Ling stressed that when specific product standards are developed and published in the future, China will follow the law and regulations, operate transparently and fairly, and welcomes comments and suggestions from all parties — including foreign-invested enterprises.

On export control: balancing security and trade compliance

On export-control issues, Ling reiterated that China’s decisions to impose controls on certain items are responsible acts intended to defend world peace, maintain regional security and stability, and fulfill international non‑proliferation obligations.

He added that China will continue to approve legitimate trade in accordance with law and regulation, and aims to protect the stability of global industrial and supply chains.

Foreign business response

Representatives of foreign-invested enterprises said that international trade and investment face increasing challenges and uncertainty, but they welcome China’s continued opening and the government’s firm, pragmatic measures to stabilize foreign investment and promote development.

Many attendees expressed expectations that the next Five‑Year planning cycle (the 15th Five‑Year Plan) will further expand space for foreign firms.

Several companies signaled willingness to increase investment and deepen cooperation in China to support its high‑quality economic development.

References

• Ministry of Commerce Website – 商务部网站
• Commerce Ministry Holds Policy-Interpretation Roundtable for Foreign-invested Enterprises – Eastmoney
• Ministry of Commerce — English Website – Ministry of Commerce (English)

Quick read: What investors, founders, techies and marketers need to know

Event scale: More than 170 foreign-invested firms and chambers engaged directly with Chinese ministries.

Policy focus: Government procurement transparency, export-control rationale and trade compliance, and the context of the incoming Five‑Year planning cycle.

Signal to the market: China is emphasizing legal process, transparency, and continued openness while balancing national security and international obligations.

Key takeaways and strategic implications

1) Procurement rules aim for clarity — but watch the details.

The new notice on domestic product standards in government procurement signals a formal approach to balancing local standards and foreign participation.

That means procurement processes could become more structured and, potentially, more predictable for foreign vendors.

Actionable implication:

• Prepare compliance documentation for government tenders in China.
• Monitor forthcoming product‑specific standards and submit comments when consultations open.

2) Export controls are framed as security obligations, not trade bans.

China frames export-controls as part of international non‑proliferation and regional stability responsibilities.

Practical implication:

• Expect case-by-case approvals for sensitive items and continued legal avenues for legitimate trade.
• Build internal export‑control expertise if you deal with dual‑use or controlled technologies.

3) Policy dialogue is active and institutionalized.

The presence of multiple ministries at the roundtable suggests cross-departmental coordination on trade and investment policy.

Strategic move:

• Use industry associations and foreign chambers of commerce to raise practical concerns and track policy interpretation.

4) China’s macro story remains an opportunity pitch.

The reported ~5.5% average annual GDP growth in the first four years of the 14th Five‑Year Plan is being used to underline resilience and opportunity for foreign firms.

Investor lens:

• Consider market-entry or expansion strategies that align with China’s stated priorities in the next Five‑Year planning cycle.

Recommended short-term moves for foreign firms

• Audit procurement readiness. Update or assemble documentation to match government procurement expectations.
• Strengthen export‑control compliance. Ensure licensing processes and supply‑chain checks are in place for controlled products.
• Engage in consultations. Track public comment windows for standards and submit practical feedback.
• Signal long-term commitment. If feasible, communicate plans to expand investment or deepen local partnerships.

Signals for investors, founders and marketers

For investors: Look for companies that have built compliance infrastructure and strong local partnerships.

For founders: Localize product documentation and engage with local procurement channels early.

For marketers: Frame value propositions around compliance, transparency, and stability when pitching to government or state-linked buyers.

Linking opportunities and follow-up sources

Track policy updates on the Ministry of Commerce website for formal notices and timelines.

Use the Ministry of Commerce English site for official translations and procedural guidance.

Follow industry media such as Eastmoney for timely coverage and practical commentary.

Bottom line

China foreign-invested enterprises roundtable shows Beijing is signaling both openness and control.

Foreign firms should treat the roundtable as a practical reminder to tighten compliance, track standards consultations, and use chambers of commerce to stay heard.

The event is a useful inflection point for anyone positioning capital, partnerships, or products in China’s evolving policy landscape.

References

• Ministry of Commerce Website – 商务部网站
• Commerce Ministry Holds Policy-Interpretation Roundtable for Foreign-invested Enterprises – Eastmoney
• Ministry of Commerce — English Website – Ministry of Commerce (English)

China foreign-invested enterprises roundtable