Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat account: nbfb0574]

Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province has been committed to becoming more open in recent years, with the goal of becoming a pivotal city serving the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

During the first five months of this year, Ningbo recorded a total of 166.1 billion yuan ($23.19 billion) in imports and exports with countries and regions involved in the BRI. This marked a significant 11.9 percent year-on-year increase and accounted for 32.3 percent of the city's total foreign trade volume during the period.

Ningbo Zhoushan Port, one of China's busiest ports, has launched 120 shipping routes to countries and regions participating in the BRI. These routes have transported approximately 40 percent of the total container volume handled by the port.

In addition, the successful conclusion of the 2023 Maritime Silk Road Culture and Tourism Expo in Ningbo highlights the city's engagement with 40 cities along the Maritime Silk Road. This significant event showcased the shared cultural heritage and promoted tourism cooperation among the participating cities.

The Ningbo Shipping Exchange's Maritime Silk Road Trade Index, which tracks trade development between China and major countries participating in the Maritime Silk Road cooperation under the BRI, has gained international recognition. The index has been included in the outcomes list of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation twice and has secured a place on the Baltic Exchange.

Ningbo has also hosted China's only national-level exhibition focusing on Central and Eastern European countries, the China-CEEC Expo, three times.