Shenzhen’s trade with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) reached an unprecedented 510.7 billion yuan (about $70.1 billion) in the first seven months of this year, marking a significant 16% year-on-year increase, according to Shenzhen Customs.

This remarkable milestone was further accentuated by a substantial surge in exports, which reached 332 billion yuan (about $45.6 billion) for a massive 34% year-on-year growth, securing Shenzhen's position as this sector’s top city in the Chinese mainland.

Shenzhen’s private enterprises, playing a pivotal role in the trade with BRI countries, have demonstrated their strong commitment to tapping into BRI markets, resulting in improved benefits. From January to July of this year, Shenzhen’s private enterprises recorded a remarkable trade volume of 370.7 billion yuan (about $50.9 billion) with BRI countries, representing an impressive 25.4% year-on-year growth and setting a new record.

Shenzhen has forged strong trade partnerships with countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Currently, Shenzhen has established friendly relations with six cities across four ASEAN countries. Additionally, Shenzhen has launched nine cargo flight routes connecting to ASEAN countries, facilitating a total of 96 export and import flights weekly.

As the BRI celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, Shenzhen has taken significant steps to bolster its economic and trade relations. The city has established foreign economic and trade liaison offices, established an overseas product exhibition center, and organized international exhibitions for enterprises. These efforts have enhanced trade and cooperation between Shenzhen and BRI countries and contributed to the high-quality development of the city’s foreign trade sector.