Doha: China remained the world's largest online retail market for the 12th consecutive year, with online retail sales reaching 15.5 trillion yuan (about USD 2.16 trillion) in 2024.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated that these figures reflect the continued stable growth of the country's e-commerce sector, which has become an essential part of its economy.

Vice Minister of Commerce, Sheng Qiuping, stated at a press conference that China's wholesale and retail industries have seen steady progress due to the variety of policies implemented to provide strong support, helping to boost domestic demand and drive economic growth.

He also noted that the added value of wholesale and retail sectors reached 13.8 trillion yuan last year, accounting for approximately 10.2 percent of the country's GDP, highlighting the role these industries play in driving economic activity, creating jobs, and reducing logistics costs.

Sheng confirmed that the Ministry of Commerce will continue to work closely with relevant government bodies to strengthen policies supporting the wholesale and retail sectors and to implement targeted measures to accelerate their high-quality development in the future.