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Shaoxing's statistics bureau released data indicating a promising economic start to the year in January and February. The city's economy boasted steady production, robust demand, and accelerated growth of new quality productive forces.

Industrial production expanded steadily, with the added value of industries above a designated size rising 12.7 percent year-on-year. Growth was observed in 28 industries, covering 80 percent of all sectors.

Key industries such as computer communication electronics, chemicals, electrical machinery, and textiles showed strong momentum. Notably, small and micro enterprises outperformed, with growth rates significantly surpassing those of medium and large-sized enterprises.

A panoramic view of Shaoxing. [Photo/WeChat account of Shaoxing release]

The consumer market regained its vitality, driven by Chinese New Year holiday spending, trade-in promotions, and growing demand for culture and tourism, as well as service-related consumption. Total retail sales of consumer goods reached 56.4 billion yuan ($8.18 billion), up 4.6 percent.

Foreign trade showed remarkable resilience. Total imports and exports amounted to 74.7 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 31.2 percent. Exports totaled 70.4 billion yuan, up 36.0 percent.

Export structures continued to improve, with significant growth registered in cultural products, electronic machinery, and high-end manufacturing goods.

Technological and industrial innovation merged deeply. The adoption of "AI+" accelerated, with the output value of new products in industries above a designated scale reaching 40.2 percent, highlighting the growing momentum of innovation.