In recent years, Shanxi province has been actively integrating into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), expanding its foreign economic and trade cooperation into different areas and industries, and accelerating its economic development.

In 2024, the province's total foreign trade reached 174.38 billion yuan ($24.26 billion), a year-on-year increase of 3.1 percent. Trade with the 143 countries involved in the BRI soared to 87.6 billion yuan, an increase of 17 percent.

The number of foreign trade enterprises with strong import and export performance in the province reached 2,084 in 2024, an increase of 3.7 percent year-on-year, with a net increase of 75 companies. Among them, the number of enterprises engaged in trade with BRI countries saw even more significant growth, reaching 1,500 companies, an increase of 10.9 percent year-on-year.

By trading with BRI countries, Shanxi is becoming more globally integrated, continuously expanding its domestic and international circle of friends. Indonesia, South Africa, South Korea, Singapore, and the Czech Republic are its top five trading partners.

In 2024, Shanxi continued to improve its overseas comprehensive service system, with non-financial direct investment reaching $65.17 million, a massive increase of 408.7 percent year-on-year.

Moving forward, Shanxi will continue to seize the opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative, deepening cooperation and exchanges with BRI countries and contributing greater strength to the building of a more open and inclusive global economic landscape.