Jinan's foreign trade surged 9.7 percent in the first quarter of this year to 21.9 billion yuan ($3.26 billion), official data showed on Wednesday.

During this period, exports grew 9.6 percent to 13.6 billion yuan, while imports grew 9.9 percent to 8.3 billion yuan, according to the city's bureau of commerce.

The steady expansion of trade can be attributed to an optimized trade structure, emerging e-commerce industry and the government's preferential policies.

In 2019, more than 50 cross-border e-commerce enterprises were established in the city.

The structure of foreign trade was further optimized. Exports of electromechanical and high-tech products grew rapidly, with the proportion of exports in the city ranking first in Shandong province.

In addition, service outsourcing value reached $457 million, a growth of 6.16 percent year-on-year.

Jinan's foreign trade surges 9.7 percent in the first quarter of this year to 21.9 billion yuan. [Photo/ ijinan.e23.cn]