Trade in services placed high on agenda

China will double down on the development of trade and consumption of services as they are recognized as crucial levers for stabilizing foreign trade and expanding domestic demand, the State Council, the country's Cabinet, said on Friday.

China will implement the negative list for cross-border trade in services across the board and align with international rules, as well as roll out new steps to further open up key sectors such as telecommunications, education, culture, healthcare and finance, according to the State Council executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Qiang.

It was stressed at the meeting that dedicated efforts will be made to promote the expansion of services exports, help domestic service providers expand into overseas markets and enhance their offerings for foreign customers.