China's foreign trade growth is largely ascribed to an improved external environment and the stable domestic economic situation, insiders pointed out.

In the complicated trade environment of recent years, China has stepped up the pace of upgrading and optimizing its foreign trade structure, highlighting its innovation-driven development strategy. Chinese products with high quality and high technology are popular at the fair.

"Amid many negative comments, our company sustained around 10-percent growth annually, selling our products to more than 100 countries," said Lin Hailin, president of Zhejiang Double-lin Valves Co. "R&D innovation and setting up our own brand bolstered the growth."

Innovation boosts development for companies in traditional industries engaged with foreign businesses and helps foster new opportunities, said Bai Ming, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.

Purchasers look for mechanical products on the last day of phase one of the 121st China Import and Export Fair, April 19. [Photo by Lu Hanxin/Xinhua]

The Belt and Road Initiative benefits countries along the route, providing business opportunities in the global context.

Xu Bing, spokesman of the China Import and Export Fair, pointed out that a total of 364, or 58.7 percent, of exhibitors at this year's spring fair are from Belt and Road countries. 

In addition, the number of visitors from the Belt and Road countries has increased significantly, and orders from these countries are expected to reach record highs.