Since China’s reform and opening up in 1978, Harbin has experienced a boom in international trade, with the city now enjoying trade links with 146 countries and regions.
Trade scale continues expanding
Harbin’s general imports and exports in 2017 were valued at $3.35 billion, 27.2 times the figure for 1987. The average annual growth rate was 11.6 percent.
Among which, the total export value increased to $1.45 billion from $90 million in 1987. The total value of imports increased to $1.91 billion from $30 million in 1987.
The export structure has gradually changed from primary and low value-added products, such as agricultural and light textile products, to high value-added products such as electromechanical and high-tech products.
Attract more foreign investment
In 2017, Harbin’s actual use of foreign capital was 3.44 billion yuan, 16.4 times of that in 2000; the average annual growth rate hit 17.9 percent.
Tourism industry booms
Harbin received 77.13 million tourists from home and abroad in 2017, about 8.4 times more than the 9.20 million tourists who visited in 2000.
Tourism revenues increased to 117.75 billion yuan in 2017, 26.2 times higher than in 2000; the average annual growth rate reached 21.2 percent.
The tourism industry has become one of the driving forces of economic development in Harbin.
Diversifying trade markets
As of 2017, Harbin had established economic and trade ties with 146 countries and regions, with its main trade partners located in Russia, Europe, Southeast Asia and North America.