(Yicai Global) July 9 -- China’s commerce ministry will support Hong Kong and Macau companies to explore the mainland market, strengthen their brand building, and establish marketing networks, a spokesman said.

The ministry urges them to attend important trade exhibitions, including the Canton Fair and the China International Import Expo, to expand their sales channels, Gao Feng said at a press conference today.

It also calls on them to take part in developing the Greater Bay Area and Hainan Free Trade Port to better integrate into China’s overall development, he said.

China will also roll out more policies geared toward opening-up, Gao said, adding that the ministry will soon unveil policies to cancel the license review for wholesale and storage of refined oil and delegate approvals to the prefectural and municipal levels. At the moment, firms must seek approval from the commerce ministry before starting business.

Editor: Peter Thomas