China's General Administration of Customs has issued measures to support the country's economic stimulus package. Local customs offices are working hard to help export firms declare goods. This is to ensure stable growth of China's import and export trade.

This is a shoe manufacturer in Shenzhen. It's a big company with an export volume of around 250 million US dollars. The company has just received notice from the customs office saying they will receive their standing book deposit back.

This is a shoe manufacturer in Shenzhen.

Cheng Meifang, Manager of Shenzhen Shoe Company said "Previously, we had to pay the standing book deposit when we filed our orders in customs. The money is returned after eight to ten months. It used to tie up 6 to 7 million yuan of our floating capital.

In order to ensure enough capital for enterprises, customs has halted the standing book deposit policy. It will reduce tied-up capital by more than 18 billion yuan.

Cheng Meifang said "Now we have enough capital to operate our business. The money can also help us upgrade our products by investing more on research and development. "

In Shandong Province, local customs offices have issued measures making declaration quicker and more convenient. Customs offices have been set up near companies. They have also launched an online register system which provides a green channel for local vegetable exporters. Now vegetables can be picked, packaged and cleared in just one day.

Liu Haiyan, General Manager of Shandong Province Food Company said "Previously we had to transport goods to the dock, then went to the customs to declare and waited for release. It took three to four days at least."

In addition, local customs also issue regular information about market movement, international prices and risks valuation on their website.

Zang Yanchun, Contracted Planter said "I'm planting according to companies' orders. The demand is various now, but I am able to adapt so my income has doubled from before."

The General Administration of Customs has issued ten measures in support of the country's economic stimulus plan. The measures include providing utmost convenience for declaration and improving special management areas.

(CCTV December 9, 2008)