Yiwu International Trade Market. [Photo/Yiwu Media Center]

Yiwu, China's small commodities hub in Zhejiang province, released a proposal on Jan 7 for local enterprises, market merchants and business associations to invite foreign businessmen to Yiwu to make purchases.

With COVID-19 formally downgraded from a Category A to Category B infectious disease, China will no longer require passengers arriving from abroad to quarantine starting Jan 8, although they will still need a negative nucleic acid test result from within 48 hours before departure.

Furthermore, closed-loop management, quarantines and nucleic acid testing are no longer required for inbound flight staff.

The local government of Yiwu will offer assistance in terms of invitation to China, visa extension and renewal, and residence permit issuance and renewal for foreigners who come to Yiwu to work, do business, study, visit relatives, or reunite with their families.

Yiwu's trade markets will be closed on Jan 17 and reopen on Feb 2 due to the Spring Festival. The city plans to hold a series of activities for the opening of the market in the new year.

Yiwu will reinstall and upgrade some trade markets, including the Yiwu International Trade Market and Huangyuan Clothing Market, open the new energy market at Yiwu International Trade Market Area 2, and work to create a new generation of digital markets. In addition, industries such as logistics, hotels, restaurants and tourism are prepared to welcome the arrival of foreign businessmen from all over the world.

The proposal was jointly released by the Yiwu bureau of commerce, Yiwu foreign affairs office, exit-entry administration of Yiwu public security bureau, and Zhejiang China Commodity City Group.