Ningbo Port Index is published at the 2018 Maritime Silk Road Port International Cooperation Forum in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province on June 14, 2018. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]

The office of the leading group for promoting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) recently released a BRI report which highlights the role of Ningbo Port Index.

Indices serve as important economic indicators.

The Ningbo Port and Shipping Administration cooperated with Ningbo Shipping Exchange to publish the Ningbo Port Index at the 2018 Maritime Silk Road Port International Cooperation Forum held in Ningbo on June 14, 2018.

The index, consisting of the Ningbo Port Prosperity Index and Ningbo Port Confidence Index, gives a comprehensive evaluation of Ningbo's port economy and port companies. It has been published 32 times. 

"The index has played a positive role in reflecting the port market fluctuations and enhancing Ningbo's interaction with other port cities over the past year," said Zhang Wujun, deputy director of the Ningbo Port and Shipping Administration. 

"The index enables companies to learn every detail of the port's operation, thus boosting companies' confidence and driving sound competition," said Zheng Qiming, general manager of the Ningbo Shihua Crude Oil Wharf.

The inclusion of the index in the BRI report proves that it is recognized by the national authorities, which will increase the involvement of Ningbo and Zhejiang province in the initiative. 

Zhang revealed that the index will be further expanded to cover other ports in the province to increase its influence.