Workers busy at the production line of a small appliance exporter in Zhanjiang. [Photo by Mai Wenwei / Zhanjiang Evening News]

Thanks to the zero tariff policy granted by ASEAN-China Free Trade Area Preferential Tariff Certificate Of Origin Form E (FORM E), more products made in Zhanjiang, especially agricultural, aquatic and steel products, as well as small appliances, are being exported to ASEAN countries this year, a remarkable growth of trade between the two regions.

"In place of the US, ASEAN has become the largest export market for Zhanjiang since 2013," said an official from the Zhanjiang Commercial Bureau. "Zhanjiang maintains bilateral trade with all 10 ASEAN countries. Three of them, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore are the largest trading partners of Zhanjiang. Private and foreign-funded enterprises are the main forces in import and export trade with the ASEAN member countries."

Trade volume between Zhanjiang and ASEAN members has increased to about $800 million, with an annual growth of nearly 20 percent from 2011 to 2015. ASEAN countries have invested into some 20 Zhanjiang enterprises in the fields of aquatic products processing, aquaculture, fodder production and crop farming. Zhanjiang enterprises in turn have set up 11 branches in ASEAN countries with total investments of over $600 million.