Changchun, capital of Northeast China’s Jilin province, reported impressive growth in its international trade for 2018, with new annual statistics released by the city’s council for the promotion of international trade.

Over the past year, the city deepened trade links with traditional partners such as Japan and South Korea, as well as a host of economies in Africa.

In particular, a series of new trade agreements were signed with South Korea, following a trade promotion meeting held on March 30, 2018. The new agreements cover industries such as automobiles, agriculture, equipment manufacturing, and biopharmaceuticals.

And at the 2018 Changchun China-Africa Agricultural Machinery Fair held in the same month, agreements worth 23 million yuan ($3.37 million) were signed between the city and African companies.

A file photo captures a group of delegates at the China-Africa Agricultural Machinery Fair held in Changchun, March 2018. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Throughout the year, the city’s council for the promotion of international trade worked to encourage companies to go global, providing vital trade services –– such as handling general certificates of origin, offering consultations, and conducting important market research for companies.

In order to help more firms export products to countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative and international markets, the council has been helping companies to learn about relevant market regulations in different countries, cutting the number of unexpected problems faced by Chinese firms.

And to further promote Changchun’s international trade links, the council opened offices in South Korea, Japan, and South Africa.

Representatives attend the opening for a new office of Changchun’s council for international trade, in Japan, May 2018. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]