A bird's-eye view of Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

Hangzhou recorded steady and high-quality growth in foreign trade this year, with exports rising 9 percent year-on-year from January to November, ranking third among cities in Zhejiang province, according to data released on Dec 19.

Over the 11-month period, the city's total exports reached 566.2 billion yuan ($80.4 billion), outpacing national and provincial growth rates by 2.8 and 1.9 percentage points, respectively.

Exports to emerging markets, including Oceania, Africa, and Belt and Road countries, posted double-digit increases. Mechanical and electrical products remained the main driver, with exports totaling 279.1 billion yuan, up 11.1 percent and accounting for 49.3 percent of the total. Exports of the so-called "new trio" — electric vehicles, lithium batteries and solar products — surged 48.3 percent to 22.5 billion yuan.

Cross-border e-commerce continued to expand rapidly, with exports rising 29.5 percent year-on-year, ranking first in Zhejiang by total volume.

Hangzhou also made progress in upgrading its open platforms. Key achievements included the launch of the China Cooperation Center for Special Economic Zones of BRICS countries, approval for the expansion of the Hangzhou Comprehensive Bonded Zone, and the start of construction of the core area of the Digital Trade Port. The city also introduced Zhejiang's first support policies for digital and services trade, further strengthening its role in the province's opening-up efforts.

The China Cooperation Center for Special Economic Zones of BRICS countries in Qiantang district. [Photo/Hangzhou Foreign Affairs Office]