Published by ChinaMNC · Yongjing

China's New Tech-Commerce Push: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

China has published its first policy document dedicated to 'tech-driven commerce.' Here's what the 18-point plan means for foreign founders building or operating companies in China.

China's First 'Tech-Driven Commerce' Policy: A Practical Guide for Foreign Founders

On October 19, 2026, China's State Council Information Office held a press conference to detail the Opinions on Accelerating the Advancement of Tech-Driven Commerce (《关于加快推进科技兴商的意见》), a new policy document jointly formulated by the Ministry of Commerce and other departments. The briefing featured Yuan Xiaoming, Assistant Minister of Commerce; Wei Wei, Director of the Department of Science and Technology at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT); Meng Yue, Director of the Department of Market System Development at the Ministry of Commerce; and Zhou Hanping, a leading official from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's Industrial Development Department.

For foreign founders, this is not just another policy paper. It signals where China's consumer market, supply chains, and digital infrastructure are heading over the next five years — and how you can align your China strategy accordingly. Below we break down the key takeaways and what they mean for your company registration and operations in China.

What Is 'Tech-Driven Commerce'?

The policy is the first comprehensive, systemic document themed around "tech-driven commerce." Its core idea is to make technological innovation a driving force across the entire commerce chain — from production to distribution to consumption. The government aims to foster new quality productive forces (新质生产力) by integrating AI, big data, embodied intelligence, digital twins, and other emerging technologies into the commercial sector.

According to Assistant Minister Yuan, the policy has three defining features, summarized as "new," "comprehensive," and "practical."

• New: It responds to shifting consumer preferences for quality and experience. For example, business big data cited at the briefing showed that sales of smart glasses on key platforms grew 1.1 times year-on-year in the first nine months of 2026.
• Comprehensive: It covers both supply and demand sides, and both traditional and new business forms — from R&D and manufacturing to wholesale, logistics, e-commerce, and consumer scenarios.
• Practical: Measures are tied to concrete application scenarios, such as flexible manufacturing, on-demand production, quality e-commerce, and digital upgrades for household services.

The 18 Measures: Four Pillars

The Opinions put forward 18 specific measures under four main pillars. Here's what each pillar means for foreign-invested companies.

1. Tech-Empowered Upgrading of Goods Consumption

The policy aims to better match product supply with consumer demand through flexible manufacturing and personalized customization. For foreign founders, this suggests opportunities in customized production and niche consumer goods where technology can bridge the gap between supply and demand.

2. Tech-Driven Expansion of Services Consumption

It calls for raising service levels in basic needs like domestic services and catering, while expanding upgraded services in culture, tourism, and sports. Personalized service quality is also emphasized. Foreign founders in hospitality, education, and wellness should note the push toward digitalization and higher service standards.

3. Tech-Smoothed Commerce Circulation

The policy includes a special action plan for digital and intelligent supply chains, upgrading wholesale and retail, and building a quality e-commerce ecosystem. If you operate logistics or e-commerce in China, expect more support for smart supply chain solutions and tighter quality checks on e-commerce platforms.

4. Tech-Shaped Future Business Scenarios

This pillar focuses on cultivating intelligent, green, and integrated commercial scenarios. Foreign founders in smart retail, green consumption, and immersive experiences may find new opportunities as these scenarios develop.

In addition, the policy outlines six areas to improve the development environment: standards, infrastructure, safety supervision, R&D transformation, talent cultivation, and fiscal and financial support. These are cross-cutting measures that could affect how you set up and run your business in China.

AI and Manufacturing: The 'AI + Manufacturing' Action Plan

MIIT's Wei Wei provided an update on the "AI + Manufacturing" special action, launched in July 2025 by MIIT and seven other departments, including the Ministry of Commerce. Key progress includes:

• Over 1,000 high-value application scenarios identified across 20 industries such as steel, automotive, and pharmaceuticals.
• 285 typical application cases released, with supply-demand matching for over 5,000 enterprises.
• AI technology application penetration rate among large-scale manufacturing enterprises exceeds 30%.
• More than 500 high-quality datasets and over 100 industrial intelligent agents promoted.
• China's core AI industry scale exceeded RMB 1.2 trillion in 2025 (estimate).
• Over 6,600 AI enterprises as of end-June 2026.
• A RMB 60 billion national AI industry investment fund has been established.

For foreign founders, this means the manufacturing ecosystem in China is becoming more AI-enabled, with ample opportunities for smart products and solutions. The policy also mentions promoting AI computers, smartphones, and other products through trade-in programs, and advancing brain-computer interfaces, embodied intelligence, and other smart terminals.

What This Means for Foreign Founders

If you are considering registering a company in China or already operate one, here are practical implications:

• Align with priority sectors: Tech-driven commerce, AI applications, smart supply chains, and digital services are clearly favored. Your business plan should reflect these directions to benefit from supportive policies.
• Leverage standards and infrastructure: The policy emphasizes standards and infrastructure development. Staying informed about new national and industry standards (e.g., for AI terminals) can help you ensure compliance and market access.
• Access funding and partnerships: The government is fostering AI service providers and investment funds. Foreign founders can explore partnerships with local AI service providers or apply for relevant support programs.
• Focus on quality and compliance: With initiatives like 'quality e-commerce cultivation' and 'online verification,' ensure your products and services meet quality and safety standards.

While the policy is broad, it reinforces China's direction toward a more digital, intelligent, and consumption-driven economy. Foreign founders who position themselves in these areas may find a more receptive regulatory and business environment.

Next steps: Monitor implementing rules from the Ministry of Commerce and MIIT, especially regarding standards, fiscal incentives, and pilot programs. Consider engaging local partners or advisors to navigate the specifics.

For hands-on assistance with company registration, compliance, and operations in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535. Our team can help you navigate the regulatory landscape and capitalize on new opportunities.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.