China’s global trade volume reached 13.14 trillion yuan ($1.95 trillion) in the first half of 2017, an increase of 19.6 percent, Qian Keming, vice minister of commerce, announced on July 31.

“The global economy is seeing an accelerated growth, and global trade is also picking up speed. The outer environment of China’s trade development has improved,” Qian said at a press conference at the State Council Information Office.

Exports in the first half of the year climbed 15 percent from a year ago, while imports increased by 25.6 percent year-on-year.

Qian also said that China’s overseas investments had become more reasonable. Foreign direct investment in the first six months of 2017 decreased by 42.9 percent year-on-year to 331.1 billion yuan ($49.17 billion).

“China’s problem of unreasonable overseas investment last year was relatively exceptional. We have worked with other departments to examine the authenticity and compliance of investments. We directed enterprises to prevent systematic risks, and facilitate healthy and standard overseas investment,” Qian said.