FUZHOU, June 19 -- China has started to export 1,060 school buses made in the southeastern city of Xiamen to Saudi Arabia. The first shipment went out on June 9, while the remaining buses will be sent on Saturday.

The shipments represent the single largest contract that King Long, a bus manufacturer based in Xiamen, has ever signed.

King Long first won a smaller contract to make 80 school buses for Saudi Arabia early this year. These buses were praised for their quality after being delivered, leading to another larger contract.

A ceremony was held at a port in Xiamen on Thursday to mark the delivery.

"We made these deals after we built trust with the Chinese bosses," said Eng. Ali Alghamdi, marketing director of Saudi Emirate Integrated Transportation Company, at the ceremony. "We hope this will not be the last deal. As long as we're looking for quality and good service, we'll continue to do businesses with them."

Lian Xiaoqiang, King Long's chairman, attributed the company's overseas expansion to China's Silk Road Economic Belt strategy, which is aimed at strengthening ties with countries situated on the original Silk Road through Central Asia, West Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

"The policy provided a boost to our confidence and has become the guideline for our company's future development," Lian said.