According to the Ministry of Commerce, the regional comprehensive economic partnership agreement (RCEP) will enter into force on January 1, 2022. How are the preparations for the implementation of RCEP? What impact will the formal entry into force of the agreement bring? The head of the International Department of the Ministry of Commerce recently introduced the relevant situation that RCEP will come into force. China is ready to implement RCEP According to the person in charge of the International Department of the Ministry of Commerce, China attaches great importance to the preparations for the entry into force of the agreement. At present, all preparations are ready to ensure the full performance of obligations when the agreement enters into force. First, in terms of preparations for the implementation of tariff concessions, China completed the version transfer of the tariff concessions table in the first half of the year and submitted it to the ASEAN Secretariat. At present, the tax reduction implementation plan has entered the final stage of the domestic approval process, which can ensure that the tax reduction obligation can be fulfilled when the agreement comes into force. Second, in terms of preparation for the implementation of rules of origin, the General Administration of Customs has formulated RCEP measures for the administration of origin and measures for the administration of approved exporters in the first half of the year, which will be announced and implemented simultaneously with the effective time of the agreement. According to the requirements of RCEP origin management, the upgrading of information system has been completed. Third, the preparation for the performance of the binding obligations of the agreement has been completed. The Ministry of Commerce, together with relevant departments, has carefully sorted out the 701 treaty binding obligations involved in the agreement. At present, all departments involved in article 701 obligations are ready to perform. Fourth, publicity and training for local and enterprises should be actively carried out. The Ministry of Commerce has held three national RCEP special trainings, and all localities, customs and industry associations have also carried out training activities in the system. According to incomplete statistics, there are more than 600 trainings and more than 100000 participants. Fifth, establish a service platform for the implementation of the free trade zone. The Ministry of Commerce publishes the texts of free trade agreements such as RCEP and relevant policies and measures through the service network of China free trade zone. At the same time, it consults and answers relevant departments regularly on the problems encountered by enterprises in RCEP and other cooperation. What impact will RCEP take effect? The head of the International Department of the Ministry of Commerce said that the formal entry into force of RCEP is a new major progress in East Asian regional economic integration, which will greatly optimize the overall business environment in the region, significantly reduce the institutional cost of enterprises using the free trade agreement, and further improve the trade creation effect brought by the free trade agreement. The official said that after the agreement comes into force, more than 90% of the goods trade between the approved members will finally achieve zero tariff, mainly reducing the tax to zero immediately and zero within 10 years, which means that all countries will fulfill their commitments on the liberalization of goods trade in a short time. In addition, the economic structure of RCEP members is highly complementary, and the capital, technology and labor factors in the region are complete. After RCEP takes effect, it will promote the free flow of economic factors in the region, strengthen production division and cooperation among members, stimulate the expansion and upgrading of regional consumer market, and further consolidate and develop regional industrial chain, supply chain and value chain. "RCEP Member States jointly promote the entry into force of the agreement on schedule and send a strong signal to the outside world to oppose unilateralism and trade protectionism, support free trade and safeguard the multilateral trading system, which will further boost the confidence and determination of Member States to work together to achieve post epidemic economic recovery," the official said. A series of guidance services to ensure high-quality implementation of RCEP The head of the International Department of the Ministry of Commerce said that the Ministry of Commerce will work with relevant departments to promote the implementation of the agreement and focus on relevant guidance and services. —— Encourage and support all localities to promote the export of China's advantageous products in combination with the tax reduction commitments and industrial characteristics of RCEP member countries, and actively expand the import of advanced technology, important equipment and key parts. Strengthen the organization and implementation of rules of origin and the management of visa functions, implement the approved exporter system, guide enterprises to make full use of the facilitation measures of independent declaration of origin, and help import and export enterprises solve the problem of blocked enjoyment of benefits. —— We will deepen the implementation of special projects to enhance the core competitiveness and technological transformation of the manufacturing industry, encourage enterprises to strengthen key products and key core technologies, and accelerate the application of advanced and applicable technologies. We will strengthen the adoption of applicable international standards and use standards to provide strong support for the "going global" of made in China. —— Guide all localities to strictly implement domestic laws, regulations and rules corresponding to the mandatory obligations of the agreement. Strengthen the service function of local government, deeply and carefully study the local industrial advantages and RCEP country market opportunities, and guide enterprises to explore the markets of RCEP member countries. —— Establish and improve the public service platform for the implementation of the free trade agreement, strengthen the service function of the service network of China's free trade zone for enterprises, and encourage local governments to carry out the construction of public service platforms. Give full play to the support and service of Chinese business institutions abroad in RCEP region for local Chinese enterprises to make good use of the agreement. The responsible person said that the Ministry of Commerce will, together with relevant departments, timely issue the guiding opinions on the high-quality implementation of RCEP to provide guidance and services for all localities and industries to grasp the agreed opportunities and achieve better development. In addition, the remaining signatories of the agreement will also enter into force as soon as possible to implement the RCEP agreement. (outlook new era)