China City in Xiamen is filled with tourists. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]

Xiamen was recently selected as part of the first batch of national retail industry innovation and upgrading pilot cities, jointly announced by the Ministry of Commerce and four other government departments. A total of 38 cities were included in the inaugural list.

The first batch of 38 pilot cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, were selected through local applications, expert evaluations, and public announcements in accordance with the Implementation Plan for Retail Industry Innovation and Upgrading Project previously issued by the Ministry of Commerce and other relevant departments. 

The recommended focus areas for these pilot cities include scenario-based transformation through the "One Store, One Strategy" approach, supply chain enhancement, digital empowerment, diversified innovation, and policy innovation.

The pilot cities will focus on two to three key exploration directions based on their local historical and cultural characteristics, natural resources, industrial foundations, and planning layouts, aiming to promote the differentiated and distinctive development of the pilot program in line with local conditions. 

Cities must consult enterprises about their needs and solicit their suggestions so as to motivate businesses to actively pursue innovation and transformation. Market-oriented approaches, including the "One Store, One Strategy" method, should be adopted to facilitate the renovation and upgrading of existing commercial facilities. 

Furthermore, policy incentives should be strengthened and a checklist management system implemented to identify and support projects with distinctive features, strong representativeness, and which have demonstrated their effectiveness.

The pilot cities must further provide facilitation for commercial revitalization in accordance with laws and regulations regarding project planning, renovation approvals, land use adjustments, and investment financing.