Mar. 9 – China will eventually cut export-related taxes to zero and offer financial help for struggling exporters, the commerce minister said in an interview.

The Commerce Minister Chen Deming told the Study Times newspaper, the government would “according to international rules steadily restore zero tax rates for export products,” as well as ensure high-energy and resource-consuming exports are curtailed.

“We should have ample confidence, seize opportunities to advance and lift our share of the international market.” he said, “Strive by all means to maintain stable export growth and prevent a dramatic fall in external demand.”

To help exporters, China has already implemented a spate of measures to ease the effects of decreasing global demand. There have been more rebates of value added taxes on textiles, garments, steel products, corn and other exports. The commerce minister also said the government would improve on levels of support for financing difficulties.

Premier Wen Jiabao said at the the beginning of last week’s annual National People’s Congress that the country will work towards keeping an 8 percent GDP growth rate to maintain social stability. In January, exports dropped by 17.5 percent and imports decreased by 43.1 percent compared to the previous year. On the other hand, port container volume for February dropped 17 percent, an indication of lingering slowdown of export demand.