The total foreign trade value of Ningbo, Zhejiang province reached 432.72 billion yuan ($61.62 billion) in the first half of this year, with an increase of 7.4 percent year-on-year. The export and import volume surged by 8 percent and 6.5 percent respectively, official data shows.

Exports and imports of automobiles from the city grew rapidly since the opening of first foreign trade ro-ro shipping route at the Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan. To date, 12 batches of 27,902 automobiles have been exported via the port.

In the first half of this year, Ningbo exported more value-added goods. According to official statistics, the export value of mechanical and electronic products hit 154.09 billion yuan, climbing by 8.2 percent. The service outsourcing value stood at 18.54 billion yuan, expanding 10.35 percent.

Ningbo also sought further cooperation with BRI countries. The foreign trade volume with Russia and Brazil grew 39.1 percent and 22 percent respectively. Meanwhile, the export and import volume with CEEC countries as well as ASEAN member states reached 13.5 billion yuan and 44.92 billion yuan respectively.

The emerging e-commerce industry fuels Ningbo's foreign trade growth as well. The e-commerce platforms imported 8.98 billion yuan goods in the first half of this year, going up by 38.4 percent year-on-year.

Through encouraging the development of science and technology in manufacturing industry, Ningbo is enhancing its market competitiveness.

Local government also implemented measures to create a legal, international and convenient business environment for enterprises. In 2018, Ningbo ranked 8th among the list of Chinese cities in business environment quality index.

The total foreign trade value of Ningbo, Zhejiang province reaches 432.72 billion yuan in the first half of this year. [Photo/news.cnnb.com.cn]