Introduction

Trade in Dalian is one of the pillar industries in national economy developed simultaneously with the city. Daily-use articles, non-staple food and catering services and various kinds of enterprises have existed and developed. In 1998, Dalian had 154,000 commercial centers with a combined business floor space of 7.05 million square meters. Also the city has 579 markets, one futures market and 40 large commercial facilities with a floor space of more than 10,000 square meters each. Dalian is being built into the most attractive regional tourist and trade center in northeast China, in China or even in Northeast Asia region.