Premier Li Keqiang pledged to cut red tape in customs clearances to help businesses during a fact-finding trip to a major port in northern China on Thursday.

"Streamlining customs procedures can cut costs for trading companies, and promote imports and exports. A convenient and free trading environment will make our country more competitive on the global market," Li said during a trip to Tianjin Xingang Customs in Binhai New Area.

Tianjin Xingang Customs, a pilot project set up in July to test integrated customs clearance reforms, shows promise. It has streamlined clearances for Beijing, Tianjin and nearby Hebei province.