Sanya helps enterprises seize RCEP opportunities

The city of Sanya has launched a special initiative this year, to help foreign trade enterprises seize the opportunities from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

RCEP was initiated by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2012 to reach a comprehensive, modern, high-quality and mutually beneficial economic partnership agreement. The agreement is currently in the approval stage of the member states, covering 15 countries with a population of more than 2.2 billion and with an economic aggregate accounting for 30 percent of the global economy. After the agreement takes effect, more than 90 percent of the goods in those regions will achieve zero tariffs.

Sanya customs organized training courses for the RCEP tariff reduction commitments and rules of origin that enterprises are concerned about. Meanwhile, it guided enterprises to make good use of the preferential business policies as well as certify self-help and smart auditing measures.

Sanya customs and Sanya municipal bureau of finance jointly visited key import and export enterprises in Sanya to learn about their problems and demands. They have solicited feedback from six foreign trade companies, and they will continue to publicize policy, provide services and guidance, and encourage key foreign trade enterprises to play a demonstrative role to help more companies enjoy benefits, according to Wang Ying, a Sanya customs official.

In the first half of this year, Sanya customs has issued 28 certificates of origin for goods exported to RCEP member states, amounting to $8.72 million.