IN a significant shift to boost imports, Shanghai will unveil more streamlined services for importers this year to accelerate the city's goal to become a global trading center, Vice Mayor Ai Baojun said yesterday.

Teaming up with the Shanghai branches of the Ministry of Commerce, the General Administration of Customs, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, the city government will soon include importers in pilot programs which are now only applicable for exporters.

For example, importers may soon be offered more digital services and allowed to use one declaration form to apply at both the Customs and the administration for inspection and quarantine.

"We used to emphasize too much on exports," Ai said. "It's time to bolster imports - a national strategy for sustained economic development in the country, and Shanghai should take the lead."

He added that the government ''will go all out to reduce red tape and make the process more convenient for traders."

Ai said all related government departments will cooperate closely and become more efficient in providing services.