បានផ្សព្វផ្សាយ · Khmer
China’s New Tech‑Driven Commerce Policy: What Foreign Founders Need to Know
A practical guide for foreign founders on China’s first ‘technology‑empowered commerce’ policy, covering key measures for product consumption, service consumption, supply chains, and future commercial scenarios.
China’s New Tech‑Driven Commerce Policy: What Foreign Founders Need to Know
On 19 October 2026, China’s State Council Information Office held a press conference to introduce the Opinions on Accelerating the Advancement of Technology‑Empowered Commerce (科技兴商). The document, jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce and other departments, is the first comprehensive policy focused on using technology to upgrade the commerce sector. For foreign founders establishing or running a company in China, the policy signals clear directions for innovation, market access, and operational support.
Speaking at the briefing were Assistant Minister of Commerce Yuan Xiaoming, Director‑General of the Department of Science and Technology of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology Wei Wei, Director‑General of the Department of Market System Development of the Ministry of Commerce Meng Yue, and a representative from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. They outlined the policy’s rationale, main measures, and implementation plans.
Why the Policy Matters
Commerce is the link between production and consumption and a key support for building a strong domestic market. The policy responds to rapid advances in artificial intelligence, big data, embodied intelligence, and digital twins that are reshaping how commerce is organised and how consumers experience products and services. By applying technology across the supply side, demand side, and circulation, the government aims to increase the supply of goods and services, enrich consumption scenarios, reduce consumer decision costs, improve logistics efficiency, and achieve a higher‑level dynamic balance between supply and demand.
The policy is guided by the need to develop “new quality productive forces” and is part of the 15th Five‑Year Plan’s push to strengthen the domestic market. It sets out 18 specific measures grouped into four main areas.
Key Measures for Foreign Founders
1. Technology‑Empowered Product Consumption
The policy seeks to better match product supply with consumer demand. It encourages flexible manufacturing and personalised customisation so that goods can be iterated and upgraded more quickly. For foreign founders in manufacturing or consumer goods, this means opportunities to use digital tools and smart production to respond faster to market trends. The government also plans to cultivate a batch of customised brands with industry influence.
2. Expanding Service Consumption
To meet rising expectations for education, sports, elderly care, and childcare, the policy promotes digital and intelligent transformation of basic services such as housekeeping, catering, medical care, and elderly and childcare services. It also aims to expand upgraded services like smart education, smart cultural tourism, and smart sports. Foreign service providers can explore these areas, particularly where technology can improve quality and accessibility.
3. Smoother Commerce and Logistics Chains
The policy calls for accelerating the development of digital and intelligent supply chains, upgrading wholesale and retail, and building a quality e‑commerce ecosystem. It includes actions to cultivate quality e‑commerce and strengthen online verification of key products on e‑commerce platforms. Foreign founders involved in logistics, distribution, or e‑commerce should note these moves toward higher standards and digital integration.
4. Shaping Future Commercial Scenarios
The government will support the creation of intelligent, green, and integrated commercial scenarios. This includes new business formats such as commercial intelligent agents and green circular consumption. Foreign companies with innovative retail concepts or green technologies may find support for pilot projects.
Supporting Environment
To reinforce these measures, the policy outlines improvements in six areas: standards, infrastructure, safety supervision, R&D and commercialisation, talent development, and fiscal and financial support. These are intended to create a more predictable and enabling environment for businesses adopting new technologies.
AI and Manufacturing Integration
Wei Wei from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology provided details on the “AI + Manufacturing” initiative. By 2025, China’s core AI industry is estimated to exceed 1.2 trillion yuan. The initiative has already identified over 1,000 high‑value application scenarios across 20 industries, published 285 typical cases, and connected more than 5,000 enterprises for supply‑demand matching. Over 30% of large manufacturing enterprises have applied AI technologies. The policy aims to expand AI terminal products such as smartphones, computers, and smart glasses, with more than 100 million smart terminal units shipped in the first half of 2026. For foreign founders in tech or advanced manufacturing, these figures indicate a large and growing market for AI‑enabled products and services.
What This Means for Foreign Founders
- Market opportunities: The policy prioritises technology adoption across retail, services, and logistics. Foreign companies with innovative solutions in AI, digital supply chains, or smart services can align with these priorities.
- Regulatory direction: Emphasis on standards, safety supervision, and quality e‑commerce suggests that compliance and product quality will remain important. Foreign founders should ensure their products and services meet relevant standards.
- Support mechanisms: Fiscal, financial, and talent measures may offer access to funding, partnerships, and skilled workers. Engaging with local commerce departments and industry associations can help identify available support.
- Implementation: The Ministry of Commerce will work with other departments to implement the measures and summarise typical experiences. Foreign businesses should monitor local pilot programmes and typical cases for practical insights.
For foreign founders at the registration stage, the policy does not introduce new barriers but rather encourages technology‑driven business models. However, as with any investment, it is advisable to consult local authorities and professional advisors to understand specific licensing and operational requirements.
This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.