Lishui's foreign trade reached a total import and export value of 23.43 billion yuan ($3.26 billion) in the first half of the year, marking a 26.9 percent year-on-year increase, according to Lishui Customs.

In six months, exports rose to 20.32 billion yuan, up 24.7 percent year-on-year, while imports grew by 43.4 percent to 3.1 billion yuan.

The expansion of foreign trade entities has been key to this success. Lishui has nurtured high-quality trade enterprises and strengthened industries like smart transportation and synthetic leather. The city now has 1,211 export-performing enterprises, including 36 with over 100 million yuan in exports.

Efforts to diversify markets have also been successful. At the 137th Canton Fair, 133 Lishui companies presented products like home appliances and motorcycles, attracting buyers from Russia, India, Brazil, and Southeast Asia, with potential deals totaling $26.47 million.

This year, Lishui has organized over 400 company participations in international trade shows, boosting exports to the European Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Cross-border e-commerce is emerging as a new growth driver, with five new e-commerce parks and 105 new businesses boosting local trade.

Additionally, Lishui is expanding its brand presence globally, with 37 renowned export brands, further solidifying its international trade footprint.