Country eyes more balanced trade

China will "promote balanced trade" this year by expanding imports while stabilizing exports, a strategy that aims to turn its domestic market into development opportunities shared by trading partners worldwide, officials and economists said.

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A cargo ship docks to load and unload containers at Nanjing Port in East China's Jiangsu province on Jan 21. SHI JUN / FOR CHINA DAILY

"China will leverage its super-sized domestic market advantages to expand imports of agricultural products, quality consumer goods, advanced technology equipment and key components," said Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.

As the world's second-largest import market, China possesses substantial untapped market potential underpinned by its rapidly expanding middle-income group, Wang said at a news conference on the sidelines of the recently concluded fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, the country's top legislature.