In the first two months of 2017, Zhanjiang exported 500 million yuan ($72.5 million) worth of products to Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, predominantly mechanical, electrical and aquatic products.

The coastal city in South China's Guangdong province has enjoyed good trade ties with ASEAN countries such as Cambodia and Burma, under the country's Belt and Road Initiative.

Vietnam, Zhanjiang's largest ASEAN trading partner, saw a 93.5 percent growth in export value in January and February, hitting 140 million yuan.

Staff members work on a production line at Guangdong Weking Group based in Zhanjiang's Lianjiang, a key enterprise trading with ASEAN countries. [Photo by Wu Wenkang/Zhanjiang Daily]

Trade volume with other ASEAN members has also risen sharply, thanks to more efficient customs services and improved supporting facilities.

For example, imports and exports can now be processed round-the-clock to reduce costs and move goods faster.

Zhanjiang has also opened five direct routes to countries including Thailand and Malaysia aimed to facilitate steady trade partnerships with ASEAN members.

The city established an online service platform on April 10, as part of a larger program to seek the expansion of Chinese agricultural and marine products into the ASEAN market.