Approved by Chinese Government, China Friendship External Supplier Association of Commerce (CFESA) was established in 1992 as a nation-wide professional organization. It is constituted of Ocean Shipping Supply Companies，Friendship Companies (stores), Overseas Chinese Commodities Supply Companies (stores), and Shopping Companies for Taiwan Compatriots throughout the country.

 Ocean Shipping Supply Companies established in 1950's mainly facing foreign vessels, Chinese ocean vessels, international crews and passengers. Business scope includes: Supplying ship provisions, ship stores to foreign vessels and Chinese ocean ships calling in Chinese ports; dock repair, painting, and crew landing service. Ocean Shipping Supply Companies set up Crew's Stores, offering services of commodities selling, laundering, posting, packing, vehicles and barge leasing, interpreting and accompanying, agent and so on. They also have duty-free stores, supplying duty-free goods such as cigarettes, liquors, etc. in accordance with international practice.

The aim of CFESA is: coordinating members' relationships, improving mutual communications, guiding economic activities of companies and strengthening management of the industry. CFESA reports existing problems and requests to government on behalf of members, safeguards the legal interests of members, organizes members to implement government's policies and regulations, serves government and companies, improves international friendly communication and promotes the development of the industry.

In 1998, CFESA joined International Shipsuppliers & Services Association (ISSA) and became Board Member and National Association. It brings more opportunities to learn advanced management experience from foreign companies and organizations in the same industry, to connect the domestic shipping supply industry with international market, to upgrade the status of Chinese ship suppliers and their fames in the world, and also to create more business opportunities for all members.　  

China Ocean Shipping Supply Net, facing ocean shipping supply industry, is mainly organized by China Friendship External Supplier Association of Commerce.

Main functions of CFESA are as follows:

● Organize members to implement related guidance, policies, laws and regulations issued by government, submit proposals on professional planning and policy to government departments;

● Report members' opinion to government, safeguard and represent the legal interests of members;

● Promote communication and cooperation between different industries and enterprises;

● Organize information exchange, survey and forecast, provide information and consulting services, edit and issue association journal;

● Organize training for members to improve overall qualities/performance and level of operating and management in this profession.

● Organize to formulate professional regulations, practice standardized management, protect fair competition;

● Develop public welfare and other activities which are for profession;

● Maintain close relationship with ISSA and marine services companies around the world, transfer useful information to members in time;

● Organize members to attend international conference and business tours, improve cooperation and communication of international economy, technology, management, etc.;

● Accept and assistant qualified domestic shipping supply and service companies to join ISSA.