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The signing of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol on Oct 28 in Malaysia marked a new phase in bilateral trade cooperation. Jiaxing, in East China's Zhejiang province, has benefited from the efficient services of Jiaxing Customs, helping businesses capitalize on upgraded FTA benefits.

Certificates of origin under the FTA serve as proof of the origin of goods, allowing them to enjoy reduced tariffs in importing countries. From January to November, Jiaxing Customs issued 45,000 FTA certificates of origin for ASEAN member states, valued at 14.23 billion yuan ($2.02 billion), an increase of 17.8 percent in volume and 11.6 percent in value year-on-year. The certificates are expected to help businesses save 750 million yuan in duties.

The China-ASEAN FTA 3.0 Upgrade Protocol introduced clear definitions for the green economy, new energy, and clean energy, providing smoother trade channels for related products.

To help businesses seize the upgraded FTA opportunities, Jiaxing Customs has introduced innovative service models, including the combination of online and offline channels for policy promotion, collaboration with local business departments and banks, and one-stop service points in key industrial parks and foreign trade hubs, enabling businesses to easily access consultations and certificate applications.