China has shown a much more flexible approach to foreign trade over the past few years and has adopted a series of measures designed to strengthen international economic cooperation. Foreign countries are encouraged to mount exhibitions of their goods and China itself has participated in a number of trade fairs and exhibitions held abroad. Since the late 1970s China has also adopted foreign trade practices long-established in many other countries. Goods are produced according to a sample provided by the customer, while strong encouragement is given to compensation trade whereby a foreign seller supplies raw materials and equipment and receives manufactured goods, produced by the equipment provided, in return. Compensation trade differs from barter or counter-trade in so far as there is a direct link between the equipment supplied from abroad and the manufactured product. Assembly manufacturing began in 1978 and particular forms of foreign trade are eligible for exemption from customs duties and taxation.
在过去的几年中，中国的对外贸易表现出非常灵活的方式，并采取了一系列措施，用以加强国际经济合作。鼓励外国在中国举办商品展览，中国自己也参与了一系列在国外举办的商品展览交易会。自从20世纪70年代末以来，中国也采纳了许多国家早已建立的对外贸易惯例。根据顾客所提供的样品生产货物，同时极力推行补偿贸易，即外商供应原材料和设备，并回收由这些设备生产的制造品。补偿贸易不同于易货贸易和反向贸易，因为在给外国所提供的设备和制造品之间有着直接的联系。始于1978年的来件组装和特殊的对外贸易形式可以免除关税和工商统一税。
