Chinese Commerce Minister Zhong Shan speaks at a news conference in Beijing on March 11, 2017. [Photo/Feng Yongbin]

China is confident the country will hold onto its strong momentum of foreign trade set in the first two months of this year, when total volume grew 20.6 percent, Commerce Minister Zhong Shan said on Saturday.

Trade remains a priority for the country, which generates 18 percent of tax revenue and 180 million jobs, the minister said.

Despite uncertainties and the challenges of the environment, China will ensure a steady rise in import and export volumes, as is stated in the government work report, Zhong said.

"We will push further on supply-side reform and emphasize quality over quantity," said Zhong, adding that more work will be done to ensure China's position as a large trading power.