First Global Cross-Border E-Commerce Conference convened in Beijing

On February 9-10, the First Global Cross-Border E-Commerce Conference, which was jointly held by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) , was convened in Beijing, China with the theme “an innovative, inclusive, strategic and collaborative approach to sustainable cross-border e-commerce”. Mr. Ni Yuefeng, Secretary of the CPC Leadership Group of the General Administration of China Customs, presided the opening ceremony. 

Mr. Wang Yang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council of China, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech.

At the opening ceremony, Mr. Yu Guangzhou, Minister of Customs of China, made four proposals on customs control and service for cross-border e-commerce, including faster formulation of rules, greater application of high technologies, development of the credit rating system and co-building of the development platform. 

Mr. Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary-General of the WCO, addressed the opening ceremony. He expressed appreciation for China Customs’ efforts in boosting the growth of cross-border e-commerce and called on the entire customs community to work hand in hand to tackle challenges faced by all and accelerate the drawing-up of the Cross-Border E-Commerce Framework of Standard.  

This Conference adopted the Beijing Declaration to demonstrate to the world the consensus and vision of the customs community and other stakeholders concerning cross-border e-commerce development. Cross-border e-commerce businesses jointly issued the Call for Actions by Global Cross-Border E-Commerce Enterprises, appealing to businesses and government agencies to work closely for sustainable growth of cross-border e-commerce.  

At the closing ceremony, with regard to the materialization of the Beijing Declaration. Minister Yu suggested that all parties should enhance communication and keep upgrading the rules, create a better business environment through practical cooperation and achieve common prosperity through enhanced connectivity. In his closing speech, Mr. Kunio Mikuriya thanked China Customs for the efforts made in both hosting the event and boosting the growth of cross-border e-commerce and emphasized the importance of universally applicable rules and fair revenue collection in promoting trade. The closing ceremony was presided by Mr. Zou Zhiwu, Vice Minister of China Customs.  

The event, as well as its achievement, was well received among the participants, who believe that the conference will encourage all parties to act in synergy for the sustainable and sound growth of cross-border e-commerce.  

Key officials of China Customs including Mr. Zou Zhiwu, Mr. Liguo and Mr. Zhang Guangzhi, as well as nearly 2000 delegates from the WCO Member Administrations, other government agencies, international organizations, business and academic circles of 125 countries and regions, attended the conference.