China will work hard to sell more products to emerging markets in 2009 to maintain stable export growth as the global financial crisis takes a heavy toll on wealthier countries, China's trade minister said on Tuesday. Minister of Commerce Chen Deming said South Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia, South America and East Europe were among the main targets, according to the official Xinhua news agency.
China's exports caught markets by surprise when they shrank for the first time in more than seven years in November, as orders from its major trading partners shrivelled up.
In terms of products, Chen said Beijing would encourage exports of large machinery, tools, agricultural products and labour-intensive products. The focus on labour-intensive exporters marks a shift in tone from earlier this year, before the slowdown hit, when China was determined to move its firms up the value chain.
Chen made the comments at a national commerce meeting outlining a framework for trade policies next year, Xinhua said. He added China would try to import more advanced technology in 2009 by reducing import duties and providing subsidised financing for importers.
Xinhua also cited Chen as telling the meeting that China would increase pork and sugar reserves in 2009 and set up new reserves for grains and edible oils. China would build five refrigerated warehouses for storing pork reserves next year, Chen said.