Exports from Quanzhou, Fujian province, to countries along the route of the Maritime Silk Road have surged as a result of the promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative, according to official data and local entrepreneurs.

Statistics released by the Quanzhou customs authorities show that the city's exports to countries and regions along the route of initiative reached a record 29.5 billion yuan ($4.4 billion) in the first half of this year, accounting for 39.3 percent of the city's foreign trade volume.

In terms of trade with Quanzhou, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines and Vietnam were the top three countries along the initiative's path.