The total exports and imports of Guangyuan city, Southwest China's Sichuan province expanded by 244.3 percent to 610 million yuan ($95.3 million) in the first three quarters of the year. This is the highest growth rate among the province's 21 cities and autonomous prefectures and counties. 

A bird's-eye view of Guangyuan city [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Based on a comprehensive plan by the municipal government, various departments worked together and led local companies to reach 500 million yuan in imports and exports from July to September, a year-on-year growth of 811.2 percent. The number for August reached 350 million yuan.

More companies are conducting foreign trade in the city. From January to September, 43 companies were engaged in the import and export sector, up by almost half year on year, accounting for 16.5 percent of all registered companies.

Guangyuan developed trade with 16 countries for the first time, including Ecuador, Slovenia, Canada and Switzerland.

Private enterprises hold a large share of the import and export market. From January through September, their export volume reached 550 million yuan, accounting for 95.1 percent of the city's total. Overseas-funded enterprises' import volume jumped by 74.8 percent to 23.26 million yuan.

Exported goods covered 972 categories. Newly-listed products such as ground tile and cement were added to previous goods like shoes and graphite industrial products in the third quarter.