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Shaoxing's private enterprises, the backbone of its foreign trade sector, are demonstrating robust growth.

According to recent customs statistics, Shaoxing now hosts 30,200 foreign trade companies, with private enterprises comprising over 90 percent. More than 11,000 of these companies actively engage in import and export activities.

"Over 30 percent of foreign trade companies are involved in import and export, and this figure is steadily climbing, reflecting Shaoxing's dynamic foreign trade development," said a Shaoxing Customs official.

As an early coastal open area, Shaoxing has integrated itself into China's national opening-up strategy, steadily expanding its international market presence. In 1988, the city granted self-operated import and export rights to its first batch of 10 foreign trade companies and nine export manufacturing enterprises.

The 2004 transition from administrative approval to record registration for foreign trade operating rights spurred a significant increase in companies with these rights. By 2018, enterprises with import and export qualifications exceeded 20,000.

Shaoxing's foreign trade entities have fueled rapid growth in import and export business. Since 2000, the city's total trade volume has nearly doubled every two years. In 2023, Shaoxing's total trade volume surpassed 400 billion yuan ($55.15 billion), cementing its status as a major trading hub. The trade structure has also diversified, with leading companies in integrated circuits, biomedicine, and high-end manufacturing now topping export charts.

Shaoxing companies can complete import and export record filings in less than one working day. The customs official emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance service efficiency, providing convenient, round-the-clock services through multiple channels to support more enterprises in entering the global market.