Aquatic product imports in Zhanjiang saw a year-by-year increase of more than 200 percent in the first quarter of the year, according to city's entry-exit inspection and quarantine bureau.

Customs authorities registered 2,796 metric tons of products during the period, worth $19.02 million, up 160 percent on the same quarter the year before.

Frozen shrimps accounted for the most imports, while North America, ASEAN countries and Australia contributed to over 2,600 tons worth $18.31 million.

Local officials attributed the good result to the measures taken by the bureau, such as the green channels open to shorten the inspection time, fast approval of quarantine license for enterprises and streamlined import process to improve efficiency.

The aquatic product import has seen rapid growth in recent years due to the bureau's constant efforts, which aims to improve Zhanjiang's aquatic industry competitiveness through brand image development, quality control and technological advancement.

A total of 14,632 tons of aquatic products were imported in 2015, up 262.68 percent compared with 2014.

Processing work is carried out by workers on aquatic products at the workshop of one aquatic product enterprise in Zhanijang, Guangdong province. [Photo/yinsha.com]