Chongqing- In November alone, the total value of the foreign trade in Chongqing reached 76.95 billion yuan (about 12.06 billion U.S. dollars), reaching a record monthly high, according to the latest information released by Chongqing Customs District.

Chongqing Customs officers ensure the smooth transfer of cross-border exhibition exhibits on site. (Photo/ Chongqing Customs District)

"Peak season" for foreign trade

With an increase of 16.2% in a single month of November compared with the same period in 2020, industry insiders analyzed that November was originally the "peak season" for foreign trade, and it was also related to Chongqing's continued optimization of the business environment and improvement of foreign trade.

In the first 11 months of 2021, the total value of the foreign trade import and export in Chongqing reached 720.49 billion yuan, which is 69.15 billion yuan higher than that of the whole year of 2020, an increase of 24% compared with the same period in 2020.

Among them, exports were 463.11 billion yuan, an increase of 23.9% over the same period in 2020; imports were 257.38 billion yuan, an increase of 24.1% over the same period in 2020.

Customs officers from Chongqing Customs District went to the company that produced the Winter Olympics mascot to give on-site business guidance. (Photo/ Chongqing Customs District)

ASEAN: Chongqing's largest foreign trade partner

Chongqing Customs District shows that Chongqing's imports and exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) amounted to 114.23 billion yuan, an increase of 13.5% over the same period in 2020.

Since 2019, the ASEAN has become Chongqing's largest foreign trade partner for two consecutive years, and this "first" status is still maintained.

"Since 2021, the number of Chongqing rail-sea intermodal trains operating in the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) has approached 2,000, which is expected to hit a record high," said Huo Jiasong, secretary of the board of directors of the New Land-Sea Corridor Operation Co., Ltd.

Huo believes that the development of trade between Chongqing and the ASEAN has also benefited the company.

He continued, Chongqing exports motorcycles, automobiles, daily necessities, Spring Festival ornaments, fresh lemon fruits, etc., to the ASEAN countries, and imports ore, rubber, rice, etc., reaching cooperation in a wide range of fields.

In recent years, the ILSTC has increased its speed and efficiency and has become the "artery" of economic and trade exchanges between Chongqing and the ASEAN.

Additionally, the official opening and operation of the China-Laos railway on December 3 pressed the "accelerator" for cooperation between the two regions.

Industry insiders said that with more major positive news, the foreign trade of Chongqing would continue to improve.

Views of Chongqing from the  E'ling Park. (iChongqing/ Vivian Yan)