The Xiamen Free Trade Zone Port Container Yard. [Photo/VCG]

Fujian province, the core area of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, deepened its economic and trade cooperation with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period, with trade reaching 1.01 trillion yuan ($145.03 billion) in 2025, 53.69 percent of the province's total import and export value. Specifically, export volume reached 549.9 billion yuan, while import volume reached 460.92 billion yuan.

Private enterprises played a pivotal role in driving Fujian's trade with BRI countries, achieving 623.48 billion yuan, a 0.97 percent increase from the previous year, and accounting for over 60 percent of the province's total BRI trade.

Indonesia, Vietnam, and Brazil emerged as top trading partners, with trade values of 122.66 billion yuan, 75.69 billion yuan, and 62 billion yuan, respectively, accounting for 25.76 percent of Fujian's total trade with BRI countries.

Electromechanical products led Fujian's exports, reaching 232.53 billion yuan, a 5.27 percent increase from the previous year, and accounting for 42.29 percent of the province's total exports. Edible oils, dairy products, and meats also saw remarkable year-on-year demand surges of 17.16 times, 5.05 times, and 4.55 times, respectively.

Metal ores and minerals were a significant import, totaling 105.47 billion yuan, an 8.63 percent increase, accounting for 22.88 percent of total imports. Consumer goods also saw strong growth, with household equipment up 42.93 percent and food, tobacco, and alcohol up 10.98 percent.