Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

Zhejiang's economy reached a new milestone in the first 11 months of this year, with its import and export value exceeding 5 trillion yuan ($710.1 billion), ranking among the nation's leaders. This achievement highlights Zhejiang's resilience in global trade and the strategic role of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port.

Customs data shows that Zhejiang's trade with ASEAN, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America has grown by double digits, while trade with Belt and Road countries has risen 8.5 percent, now accounting for more than half of Zhejiang's total.

As the world’s largest port, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port underpins this growth with over 300 container routes connecting 600 ports worldwide, including 130 routes to Belt and Road countries. Its China-Europe Express services have cut shipping times to Germany and the United Kingdom, making it the fastest maritime link from the Yangtze River Delta to Europe. By early December, its container throughput had surpassed 40 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), making it China's mega port.

The port is also adapting to new export trends, with the "new trio" of electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and solar products demanding higher logistics standards. Ningbo-Zhoushan has introduced its "Zhejiang e-Port" model, enabling inland firms to complete export procedures locally and shorten loading times by up to two days. Specialized services, such as direct truck-to-ship operations, have further boosted efficiency.

Smart and green transformations are also reshaping the port's future, with automation, AI inspections, and partnerships with European ports on green shipping corridors positioning Ningbo-Zhoushan as a leader in sustainable global logistics.