Exports of childrenswear have been growing rapidly in Zhili town, Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province this year despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

The shipments of children's garments in Zhili, a national manufacturing hub for childrenswear, from January to October was nearly double that of the same period in 2021, the China Central Television Channel 2 recently reported.

The strong growth momentum can be partly attributed to efforts made by local companies to expand their market presence from Southeast Asia to Europe and the United States.

Livestreaming has also become an important sales channel for these companies.

Huang Zhaohui, who runs a children's clothing company in Zhili, said that he has forged partnerships with more than 100 livestreaming hosts worldwide to promote childrenswear online.

Presently, there are 101 companies in Zhili engaged in the export of children’s garment, 37 more than the previous year, official data show.

The local government has also been supporting companies by providing financial assistance. Childrenswear companies in the town have been exempt from 1.09 billion yuan ($155.7 million) worth of tariffs for exports under the market procurement trade model so far this year.

The opening of the customs supervision and operation site in Zhili has also expedited custom clearance for the exports.