As one of the three major factors driving China's economic growth, foreign trade suffered a sharp decline in May 2013. The growth rate in May decreased 1 percent.

Zhao Jinping spoke at the 2013 China Economic Situation Analysis Symposium about China's current foreign trade situation and the government's adjustment of trade policy. He also answered questions during an interview with a journalist from China Economic Times during the symposium.

According to Zhao, China's economic situation from January to May 2013 was mixed. Export trade was not optimistic. However, the export trend in 2013 was flat compared to last year. Zhao believes the foreign trade development model requires transformation. Focus should be placed on cultivating an open economic development model.