China has started the first quarter of 2018 with strong trade and outbound direct investment (ODI), indicating steady and sustainable economic growth, according to official data released on April 16.

In the first three months, China’s trade volume maintained rapid growth, reaching 6.75 trillion yuan ($1.08 trillion), a 9.4-percent year-on-year increase.

The Ministry of Commerce said the Belt & Road Initiative, the country’s much-touted trade and infrastructure platform, led the climb in trade volume.

In the first quarter, trade with Belt & Road countries and regions grew by 12.9 percent year-on-year, 3.5 percentage points higher than the average growth.

Meanwhile, the country’s nonfinancial ODI rose by 24.1 percent year-on-year to $25.5 billion, achieving steady and healthy growth for five consecutive months.

China’s investment went to 140 countries and regions, mainly on leasing and commercial services, mining, manufacturing, and information technology.