Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province imported 1.97 million metric tons of meat from Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) from January to November, cementing its position as a prime distribution hub in China for commodities from the region. 

The meat imported by Ningbo during the 11-month period was valued at 68.86 million yuan ($9.8 million), 100 times more than the same period last year, according to data from Ningbo Customs.

The robust growth momentum can be mainly attributed to efforts made by the city to help companies expand overseas.

One such beneficiary is Ningbo Lianbang Changyun International Trade Co Ltd, the largest meat supplier in Ningbo. Representatives from the company had boarded a chartered flight to Europe in July and inked an intended agreement to import beef worth $200 million over five years.

The enhanced customs clearance procedures for imported meat have also played a part in the increase.

Shi Haofeng, a manager at Ningbo Lianbang Changyun International Trade Co Ltd, said that frozen meat imported from the CEEC by the company can complete customs clearance in just half a day.