Wuhan city government announced on 17 March that ASEAN countries have replaced the US and Hong Kong to become the city’s third largest trading partner, following the EU and Japan.

The trading volume between Wuhan and the ASEAN countries reached nearly US$200m during the first two months of this year, up 166 per cent over the same period last year. Leading export items include machinery, high-tech products, agricultural produce, iron and steel, auto parts and computer monitors. Imports include Thai rice, tropical fruit and snacks.

Several Wuhan-based state-owned conglomerates including China Bridge Corporation have won international tendering contracts and are now involved in infrastructure projects such as building bridges and terminals.