Explanatory Notes on Main Statistical Indicators

Import and Export of Goods  refer to the value of commodities actually imported or exported across the border of China. They include the actual imports and exports through foreign trade, imported and exported goods under the processing and assembling trades and materials, supplies and gifts as aid given gratis between governments and by the United Nations and other international organizations, and contributions donated by overseas Chinese, compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao and Chinese with foreign citizenship, leasing commodities owned by tenant at the expiration of leasing period, the imported and exported commodities processed with imported materials, commodities trading in border areas, the imported and exported commodities and articles for public use of the Sino-foreign joint ventures, cooperative enterprises and ventures with sole foreign investment. Also included are import or export of samples and advertising goods for which CIF or FOB value are beyond the permitted ceiling (excluding goods of no trading or use value and free commodities for export), imported goods sold in China from bonded warehouses and other imported or exported goods. The indicator of the total imports and exports at customs can be used to observe the total size of external trade in a country. In accordance with the stipulation of the Chinese government, exports are calculated at FOB, while imports are calculated at CIF.

Import or Export by Location of Importers/Exporters  The location of importers or exporters refers to the place inside China’s customs territory where the importers or exporters are registered.

Imports and Exports by Location of Domestic Consumers/Producers  The location of domestic consumers refers to the place inside China’s customs territory where the imported goods are to be consumed, utilized or destined for. The location of domestic producers refers to the place inside China’s customs territory where the exported goods are produced, manufactured or initially delivered.

Import and Export of Services  refers to services provided between resident and non-resident units, including transportation, travel, construction, insurance, finance, telecommunications, computer and information, professional and management consultancy, intellectual property fee, personal, cultural or recreational services, maintenance and repair, processing, other business services, and government services.

Foreign Investment refers to investment in China by legal or natural persons of foreign countries and of HongKong, Macau and Taiwan, in the form of cash、physical assets、intangible assets and equity and others. Foreign direct investment refers to investment by investors from foreign countries and from HongKong, Macau and Taiwan in a non-listed company, or the investment of over 10 percent or more in a listed company.

Outward Direct Investment  refers to the economic activities of domestic investors focussing on controlling the operation and management of overseas enterprises. The content of overseas direct investment mainly reflects goal of of lasting interest of one economic entity by investing in another economic entity.

Overseas Contracted Projects refer to activities of contracting overseas construction projects by Chinese enterprises or any other units, which are stipulated in the Regulations on Administration of Foreign Contracted Project.

Overseas Labour Services refer to operational activities of organizing labour force to go abroad providing services to foreign enterprises or agencies.