Foreign trade in Jinan, Shandong province surged 40.6 percent to 68.79 billion yuan ($10.31 billion) in the first four months of this year, local authorities reported on May 19. The growth rate is 26.4 percentage points higher than that of the province.

From January to April of this year, the city's exports increased 41.1 percent year-on-year to 37.94 billion yuan, while its imports stood at 30.85 billion yuan, up 40 percent.

During the period, the city's imports and exports to RCEP member countries reached 24.76 billion yuan, up 39 percent year-on-year. Its foreign trade with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative totaled 23.78 billion yuan, up 45.1 percent year-on-year.

Preferential policies issued during the period accelerated development of various market entities, including cutting taxes, strengthening financial supports, and improving the business environment.

In the first four months, the number of private enterprises with exceptional import and export performances in Jinan reached 4,361, up 16.7 percent year-on-year, becoming a major force in promoting the city's foreign trade growth.