In December 2024, Zhang Guigang, Deputy Director of Jilin’s Department of Commerce, announced that the province’s foreign trade reached 162.26 billion yuan (approximately 23.4 billion USD) in the first 11 months of the year, marking a growth of 8.1%, surpassing the national growth rate of 3.2%. During the same period, Jilin’s foreign trade with “Belt and Road” partner countries totaled 89.2 billion yuan (approximately 12.8 billion USD), reflecting a 13.3% increase.
While foreign trade with “Belt and Road” countries continued to see significant growth, there was also a 14.9% increase in trade with RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) countries. Trade with ASEAN countries reached 11.03 billion yuan (approximately 1.6 billion USD), representing a substantial 39.2% increase.
Jilin’s processing and manufacturing sectors are highly developed, with the province being a global leader in automotive and high-speed rail production. It also holds a significant position in the agricultural and pharmaceutical industries. In its pursuit of new open markets, Jilin is working on building cooperation with African countries in areas such as heavy trucks, irrigation projects, agricultural demonstrations, and biotechnology.
Zhang Guigang emphasized that Jilin will continue to strengthen regional market development, increase participation in industrial fairs and trade promotion activities, and enhance trade relations with “Belt and Road” and RCEP partner countries.