Imports and exports in Haimen district, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, were valued at 14.21 billion yuan ($1.99 billion) in the first five months of this year, an uptick of 37.1 percent year-on-year, official statistics show.

This was largely due to a series of efforts by authorities to maintain foreign trade growth.

For example, the district's commerce bureau has dispatched staff members to more than 30 major enterprises to outline relevant favorable policies.

Authorities have also mobilized 14 foreign trade companies to attend international exhibitions such as Sea Asia 2023 and helped 44 foreign trade companies participate in the 133rd Canton Fair. The transactions totaled more than $50 million at the Canton Fair.

The local government invited more than 50 international buyers to conduct a field study in the district after the Canton Fair and received orders worth $9.74 million.

In addition, authorities have taken measures to strengthen customs and financial services and to attract e-commerce projects and professional talents.