Publicado em · Portuguese (Brazil)

China’s New Tech‑Commerce Push: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

China’s State Council Information Office held a press conference on 19 October 2026 to explain the new “Opinions on Accelerating the Development of Technology‑Driven Commerce.” The initiative brings together the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to deepen the integration of technology and commerce. For foreign founders operating or registering a company in China, the plan signals clearer priorities in manufacturing, consumer services, and cultural tourism—areas where technology adoption is expected to accelerate. This article summarises the official facts and highlights practical implications for foreign‑invested enterprises.

Overview of the Policy

On 19 October 2026, China’s State Council Information Office held a press conference to present the “Opinions on Accelerating the Development of Technology‑Driven Commerce” (《关于加快推进科技兴商的意见》). Officials from the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) outlined the main measures. The policy aims to promote the deep integration of technology and commerce across several key areas.

For foreign founders, the announcement is a signal that China continues to prioritise technology adoption in business operations, consumer markets, and public services. Understanding these priorities can help align product development, service design, and partnership strategies with national objectives.

Key Measures from the Ministry of Commerce

MOFCOM introduced 18 specific measures focused on advancing the integration of technology and commerce. These measures cover three main areas:

• Matching supply and demand in goods consumption: The plan encourages the development of flexible manufacturing and personalised customisation to better align product supply with consumer demand.
• Expanding service consumption through technology: Technology applications are expected to enlarge the scope of service consumption and improve the consumer experience.
• Building smart, green, and integrated commercial scenarios: The policy supports the creation and cultivation of commercial environments that are intelligent, environmentally friendly, and connected.

These measures indicate that foreign companies in manufacturing, retail, and consumer services may find new opportunities to collaborate with local partners or adapt their offerings to meet evolving consumer expectations. The emphasis on flexible manufacturing and personalisation could benefit foreign firms with advanced production technologies or customisation capabilities.

Priorities from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology

MIIT highlighted its ongoing “AI + Manufacturing” special action. The ministry is accelerating the innovation of artificial intelligence (AI) terminal products and implementing a programme to cultivate AI application service providers. These efforts aim to empower the iterative upgrading of goods supply.

For foreign founders in the technology or manufacturing sectors, this suggests continued government support for AI integration in production processes and product development. Companies involved in AI terminals, industrial software, or smart manufacturing solutions may see increased demand and potential policy backing. However, the source does not specify particular incentives or eligibility criteria, so foreign investors should monitor further implementing rules.

Focus on Culture and Tourism from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is promoting the deep integration of AI with cultural creation, intangible cultural heritage transmission, and tourism services. The ministry has already selected and approved 14 projects to carry out pilot applications of “AI + Culture and Tourism.”

This points to a growing intersection between technology and the cultural tourism sector. Foreign founders with expertise in AI, digital content, or smart tourism solutions might explore partnerships in these pilot projects or related areas. However, the source does not provide details on how foreign companies can participate, so direct engagement with local authorities or partners would be necessary.

Practical Implications for Foreign Founders

While the policy announcement is high‑level, it offers some practical takeaways for foreign entrepreneurs registering or operating a company in China:

• Align with national priorities: Sectors such as AI‑enabled manufacturing, smart commerce, and digital cultural tourism are receiving attention. Foreign companies with relevant technologies may find a supportive environment for pilot projects or partnerships.
• Monitor implementing rules: The 18 measures and ministry actions will likely be followed by detailed guidelines or local pilot programmes. Keeping track of announcements from MOFCOM, MIIT, and MCT can help identify opportunities.
• Leverage local partnerships: The policy encourages integration across technology and commerce. Collaborating with Chinese companies, research institutions, or pilot projects can help foreign firms navigate the landscape and access resources.
• Consider sector‑specific opportunities: Flexible manufacturing and personalised customisation may benefit foreign manufacturers with advanced capabilities. AI terminals and application services could be relevant for tech firms. Cultural tourism pilots may suit companies with digital content or AI solutions.

Foreign founders should note that the source text does not mention specific tax incentives, funding, or regulatory changes for foreign investors. The policy is a strategic direction, and actual benefits will depend on subsequent implementation at national and local levels.

Conclusion

China’s new technology‑commerce initiative underscores the government’s focus on integrating advanced technologies into business and consumer sectors. For foreign founders, this represents both opportunities and a need for careful monitoring of evolving policies. Staying informed about ministry actions and local pilots can help in strategic planning.

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.