بڵاوکراوەتەوە · Kurdish (Sorani)
China’s Tech-Driven Commerce Push: What Foreign Founders Need to Know
A practical guide for foreign founders on China’s new policy to accelerate technology-enabled commerce, covering AI, digital supply chains, and market opportunities.
China’s New Tech-Commerce Policy: A Guide for Foreign Founders
China’s Ministry of Commerce and eight other government departments have issued a joint opinion on accelerating technology-enabled commerce. The policy aims to leverage technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, blockchain, digital twins, and embodied intelligence to modernize the entire commerce chain—from manufacturing and supply chains to retail and consumer services. For foreign founders considering setting up or expanding a business in China, this signals evolving opportunities and regulatory focus areas.
Key Priorities and Business Implications
1. Smarter Product Supply
The policy promotes the “AI + Manufacturing” initiative, encouraging deep integration of AI in product R&D, design, manufacturing, and marketing. It highlights smart products such as smartphones, computers, home appliances, wearables, and robots. Foreign founders in consumer tech or smart devices may find a supportive environment for innovation and localization. The policy also encourages products based on secure and reliable open-source operating systems, and supports the transformation of traditional industries and time-honored brands through modern production technologies.
2. Demand-Supply Matching and Personalized Consumption
Flexible manufacturing models like on-demand production and consumer-to-manufacturer (C2M) are encouraged, using industrial large models and edge intelligence. AI-driven personalized customization is emphasized, with the goal of nurturing influential custom brands. Foreign founders with expertise in made-to-order or personalized products could explore partnerships with local manufacturers.
3. Market Vitality and Consumption Scenarios
The policy leverages expos such as the China International Consumer Products Expo (消博会), the Global Digital Trade Expo (数贸会), and the China Agricultural Trade Fair (农交会) to showcase and trade technological achievements. It also aims to extend smart consumption facilities and services to county-level areas, stimulating lower-tier markets. Foreign founders should note these platforms for market entry and networking.
4. Service Sector Upgrades
In basic services, the policy supports smart home services, digital catering, AI applications in health management and elderly care, and smart elderly and childcare services. In upgraded services, it promotes AI in education, culture and tourism, sports, and audiovisual electronics. For foreign founders in these service sectors, opportunities may arise in technology partnerships or pilot projects.
5. Personalized and Immersive Services
The policy encourages “technology for good,” fostering healthy and regulated smart services such as companion robots and virtual digital humans. It supports ultra-high-definition audiovisual technologies and immersive experiences in commercial districts, entertainment, tourism, and education. AI and digital twins are to be used to optimize IP development in culture, tourism, sports, and traditional industries. Foreign founders with content or technology solutions might find niches here.
6. Digital and Intelligent Supply Chains
A special action plan for digital-intelligent supply chains is introduced, promoting IoT, cloud computing, and blockchain integration. The policy encourages smart warehouses, logistics equipment, and unmanned delivery. It also aims to develop green supply chains and nurture leading digital supply chain enterprises that empower SMEs. Foreign founders in logistics or supply chain tech could benefit from these directions.
7. Wholesale and Retail Digital Upgrades
The policy pushes for digital transformation in wholesale and retail, including agricultural wholesale markets and retail innovation. Businesses are encouraged to use digital technologies to optimize store layouts, inventory, logistics, anti-counterfeiting, and after-sales management. Foreign retailers and brands should consider aligning with these digitalization trends.
8. Quality E-Commerce Ecosystem
Initiatives include promoting quality e-commerce, the “inspect first, ship later” model, and strengthening quality standards and brand building in key categories like home appliances, home furnishings, and electronics. The policy also enhances CCC certification verification and pilot reforms for traceability QR codes. Foreign e-commerce players should ensure compliance with these evolving standards.
9. Smart, Green, and Integrated Scenarios
The policy promotes commercial intelligent agents (e.g., smart shopping guides, operations, logistics), embodied intelligence in commerce, and cloud shopping. It encourages green business models, carbon footprint calculation using blockchain, and green consumption. Integrated scenarios blending virtual reality, digital twins in entertainment, tourism, health, and sports are also supported. Foreign founders with tech solutions in these areas may find pilot opportunities.
10. Standards, Infrastructure, and Regulation
The policy calls for improving commercial technology standards, including national standards for AI terminal intelligence. It aims to upgrade digital infrastructure, support AI startups with accessible computing power, and build high-quality datasets and trusted data spaces. A prudent regulatory approach is advocated, with tiered governance for commercial intelligent agents, data security risk monitoring, and regulatory sandboxes for new technologies. Foreign founders should monitor these regulatory developments.
11. R&D, Talent, and Financial Support
Key technology R&D in new displays and smart terminals is encouraged, along with technology transfer institutions and support for specialized and sophisticated SMEs in smart warehousing and digital supply chains. The policy emphasizes training composite talents through industry-education integration and new vocational qualifications. Financial support includes guiding financial institutions to increase support for new consumption scenarios and technological upgrades. Foreign founders may access talent pipelines and financing options.
Practical Takeaways for Foreign Founders
- Opportunities in smart manufacturing and consumer tech: The policy favors AI-integrated products and personalized manufacturing models. Consider aligning your product roadmap with these priorities.
- Leverage trade expos: Events like the Consumer Products Expo and Digital Trade Expo are platforms for showcasing technology and connecting with partners.
- Compliance with e-commerce standards: If selling online, ensure product quality and certification requirements are met, including CCC marking where applicable.
- Engage in pilot programs: The policy encourages sandbox pilots for new technologies; foreign founders can explore participation in controlled trials.
- Access talent and financing: Industry-education partnerships and financial incentives may ease talent acquisition and funding for tech-driven ventures.
This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.
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