A new service center, designed to help drive used car exports, was recently unveiled in East China's Shanghai.

The Shanghai Port Used Car Export Comprehensive Service Center opened on Nov 20 at the Shanghai Haitong International Automotive Terminal — located in the city's Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone.

The center is the first of its kind in the country, serving as a verification point for used car exports within the Shanghai port area.

Established by operator the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Group Co Ltd, it provides one-stop services for used car export companies in the city and in neighboring provinces.

The initiative aims to reduce risks and transportation costs associated with multiple vehicle movements, while boosting the efficiency of processing export documentation.

Since China launched a pilot program in 2019 to promote high-quality foreign trade and stimulate the domestic auto market, used car exports have become a significant growth area for the country's foreign trade.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, some 275,000 used cars were exported last year, generating $6.88 billion in revenue. In March, the government expanded the pilot program nationwide.

To further promote used car exports, Shanghai has implemented several measures to improve domestic trading systems and establish an international export network.

The initiatives include creating special license quotas for used car exports and forming an industry association to streamline business processes — and to enhance the overall business environment for exporters.

Looking ahead, plans are for the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce to continue advancing the new policies, to provide efficient services for used car export businesses.