Taizhou Customs officers help with the export of an SUV from the Taizhou Comprehensive Bonded Zone. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

A container truck carrying an SUV left the Taizhou Comprehensive Bonded Zone in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, on March 27 for export to Nigeria by sea. It is the first time assembled products from the zone are being exported, establishing bonded processing operations there.

The vehicle was assembled in Taizhou and is being exported by Taizhou Anrui Automobile Trading Co, which began operations in the zone at the end of last year.

Sun Jian, assistant general manager of the company, noted that demand for assembled vehicles is being spurred by Chinese investments in countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. "This first export order from Taizhou sets a good example, and we plan to export to over 10 countries and regions using this approach," he said.

Sun also explained why they chose Taizhou for their operations: "The city has a strong automotive industrial supply chain. The Taizhou Comprehensive Bonded Zone offers preferential policies that make trade easier, provide cross-border financial services, and ensure efficient logistics."

Huang Yongchao, an official at the Linhai Office of Taizhou Customs, highlighted the benefits of operating a manufacturing enterprise within the bonded zone. This setup allows for streamlined customs procedures and policy advantages while making the most of Taizhou's industrial strengths.

"The great start of bonded processing operations adds to the zone's existing business activities, laying a solid foundation for continued high-quality development," Huang added.