Shanghai Reports Drastic Export RiseShanghai exported US$ 25.35 billion worth of commodities last year, up 34.9 percent from 1999.In an interview with Xinhua Friday, Zhu Xiaoming, head of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, said overseas-financed businesses continue to play a major role in the municipality's export. According to Zhu, overseas-funded businesses in the city exported 14.2 billion U.S. dollars worth of products last year, up 37.6 percent from 1999 and accounting for 56 percent of the city's total exports. The city's imports and exports in the past five years totaled 181.3 billion U.S. dollars, exceeding the aggregate foreign trade value the 1981-1995 period, and the sector has become a major force in propelling fast economic growth in Shanghai, said Zhu. He added that his city would make great efforts to promote innovations in the administrative system regarding foreign trade and economic cooperation and create an environment that is conducive to trade development. The major measures include establishing an Internet-based electronic customs reporting network in a bid to enhance the efficiency of customs clearing procedures, enlarging the purchase of multinational corporations in Shanghai, and increasing the export of computer software. |
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