CPTPP photo: VCG

China is actively conducting a study on matters related to joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and is willing to strengthen technical exchanges with CPTPP members on relevant problems, Gao Feng, spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), said during an online press conference on Thursday.

China will actively consider joining the CPTPP in line with the requirements of the establishment of its new development pattern to boost economic globalization and regional economic integration, Gao said.

This sends a signal that China is actively dealing with issues concerning joining the CPTPP, Bai Ming, deputy director of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce's International Market Research Institute, told the Global Times on Thursday. China holds an open and positive attitude toward joining the CPTPP, he stressed.

The country will evaluate the pros and cons as well as the possibilities of joining the treaty through research, Bai said, noting that it still has a long way to go for the submission of a formal application, given the complex geopolitical environment.

However, despite the anti-globalization trend and the rise of unilateralism and protectionism, China continues to deepen opening-up and expansion of economic and trade cooperation with other countries.

After the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the country's process of ratifying the agreement, beginning in December 2020, is moving along as expected, and the government aims to complete it within a six-month period, Gao said at a press briefing in January.

Relevant government departments have issued duty lists in keeping with the RCEP lines so that all the opening moves and rule-based obligations could be fully acted upon, Gao said, noting that training related to the trade deal will be organized to help local governments, companies and intermediary organizations learn the RCEP rules.

Global Times