Zhanjiang's import and export volume of aquatic products hit $166 million in the first quarter, realizing a growth of 44 percent year-on-year against the global market shrink, thanks in part to timely reforms of inspection and quarantine management.

Total aquatic products exported in the first three months of 2017 weigh more than 24.2 kilotons valued at $145 million, up 51.4 percent over the same period last year.

Prawn production, which averagely accounts for a quarter of China's total, exported $90.6 million worth of products, an increase of 45.5 percent year-on-year.

Staff members work on an aquatic products processing line in Zhanjiang. [Photo/yinsha.com]

The figures are quite satisfactory contrasted with 44.1 percent of decrease in aquatic imports last year, according to statistics.

To go combat global economic slowdown, the Zhanjiang Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau restructured management accordingly after investigating enterprise requirements.The frequency and number of items for inspection have been reduced to save time and control risks.

In addition, the government has issued policies to encourage the re-export of aquatics products that are processed from imported materials and the import of deep-sea products to meet large domestic market demands.

The city is also promoting the establishment of a WTO (World Trade Organization)/SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures) research and review base for aquatic products in Zhanjiang.