The export value of Zhanjiang rice cookers increased from 1.29 billion yuan ($203.7 million) in 2015 to 1.53 billion yuan in 2017 with a steady annualized growth rate of 8.9 percent, announced Zhanjiang Customs on Feb 23.

Export to countries along the Belt & Road, such as Vietnam, Philippines, Bangladesh and Brazil have maintained a strong momentum.

Zhanjiang, as the largest and most centralized rice cooker production base in the nation, leads the pack by quite a distance in terms of industrial scale, supply chain and reputation. To further extend the edge, Zhanjiang Customs has launched various trade facilitation measures behind the scene.

Local enterprises are now able to go through customs clearance formalities whenever needed. Beyond that, the measures also provide overtime and door-to-door services for reputable export companies to save their costs and give them a competitive advantage in foreign markets.

In the meantime, great efforts have been made in popularizing knowledge of customs and protecting intellectual property rights.