Port performance can be seen as an indicator of foreign trade. The world's largest port in terms of annual throughput, the Ningbo-Zhoushan port, lies where the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road intersect. It shows how the China-led initiative has improved port infrastructure and increased trade along the routes. CGTN's Feng Yilei has more.  

Another busy day for workers at the world's busiest port in eastern China's Ningbo city. One of its shipping docks is welcoming an over 10 thousand-deadweight ton container ship all the way from the Mediterranean Sea.

This is just one of a hundred vessels that come into the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port on a daily basis. In the past five years, the port has seen rapid development.

JIANG WEI, SPOKESPERSON NINGBO-ZHOUSHAN PORT GROUP "The cargo throughput was only 0.8 billion tons in 2013, but it hit 1 billion tons last year with the promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative. It's the first port in the world to exceed such volume."

The record-setting throughput came with an expansion and upgrade of the port; improvements that aim to make it even more competitive along the Belt and Road.

The port managing company says the upgrades include an improved transfer capacity, new channels, more docks and enhanced technologies.

To better connect the One Belt and the One Road, the port has launched sea-rail transport services, reaching more inland provinces and countries.

It has also deepened cooperation with major shipping companies and harbors, adding over 10 routes along the Belt and Road, and raising annual voyages to nearly 5,000.

FENG YILEI NINGBO, CHINA "As business continues to boom here, the government is designing more policies to further stimulate the potential of the Ningbo-Zhoushan port. Officials hope the port capacity will ultimately help forge a wider trade-oriented economy."

Here at Ningbo Shipping Exchange, the latest index released on port logistics reflects trends of trade development within China and relevant countries.

DONG SHANHUA, GENERAL MANAGER NINGBO SHIPPING EXCHANGE "In the past five years, the Maritime Silk Road Index has risen steadily. China's trade and economic exchanges with countries along the maritime silk road have improved. The proportion of trade with these countries has also increased by about 1.44%. And our index, in turn, provides a transparent and efficient environment for more companies to participate in foreign trade under the Initiative."

To better serve as a pivot point for the Belt and Road economy, managers at Ningbo-Zhoushan port constantly develop support facilities and services for businesses in and outside China.

For example, Meishan Free Trade Zone, within the greater port area has the province's first roll-on roll-off mechanism to import and export finished vehicles.

Bonded warehousing and efficient customs clearance make it easier for imported cars to reach Chinese customers.

And domestic companies also enjoy wider accesses to the global market. In early August, over 800 Chinese Geely cars were shipped to several nations along the routes with more expected in the future.

TIAN HONGJUN, R&D DIRECTOR KANGDA MEDICAL GROUP "We are a Shanghai company and moved here in 2015 considering regional advantage and beneficial policies. Local government organizes cooperation forum annually to introduce us international partners and help us promote our products in Belt and Road nations."

Authorities say Ningbo-Zhoushan port intends to attract more business. By 2022, the port is slated to handle over 1.2 billion tons of cargo per year and should provide first-class shipping services and trade platforms. Feng Yilei, CGTN, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province.