Zhejiang's high-level opening-up reached new heights during the national 14th Five-Year Plan — a policy road map shaping key areas of national socioeconomic development — period (2021-25).

In 2024, the province's total imports and exports reached 5.26 trillion yuan ($739.24 billion), with an average annual growth rate of 11.7 percent. Zhejiang's share of China's exports rose from 14 percent in 2020 to 15.3 percent in 2024, ranking second nationwide. Total trade is expected to surpass 4 trillion yuan in 2025.

Zhejiang attracted $73.1 billion in foreign investment during the period, with manufacturing and high-tech industries accounting for 51 percent and 52.9 percent, respectively. The province's enterprises established 5,398 overseas companies, with $68.5 billion in outbound direct investment covering 156 countries and regions.

The number of private enterprises with export performance exceeded 120,000 for the first time, representing 19.5 percent of the national total. Zhejiang has also attracted strong foreign participation, with over 80,000 foreign-funded enterprises established and 208 Fortune Global 500 companies investing in the province.

In terms of people-to-people exchanges, Zhejiang has implemented a visa-free transit policy for foreign visitors. In the first three quarters of 2025, the province welcomed 2.4 million inbound foreign travelers, up 14.1 percent year-on-year.