A customs officer inspecting noodle products. [Photo by Wen Bo]

In recent years, Zhongshan's noodles have been enjoyed on plates in more and more countries and regions worldwide than ever before. According to statistics from Zhongshan Customs, as of August 28, Zhongshan's noodle exports totaled 2,228.6 tons, with a total value of 15.286 million yuan. This represents an increases of 12.1% and 2.8% over last year's numbers, respectively.

"There are several well-established noodle export companies in Zhongshan. They are located in Sanxiang, Nantou, Xiaolan, and other nearby towns, and they have been exporting noodles for more than 10 years. Zhongshan noodles are typically exported to Southeast Asia, Europe, the United States, Russia, South Africa and many other places," said Feng Yun, head of Division of Inspection II of Shiqi Office, Zhongshan Customs.

In his opinion, noodles can bring huge profits. First, Zhongshan noodle companies have gained recognition among local buyers after many years of accumulation of brand quality and acceptance. Second, Zhongshan noodle enterprises have reached the corresponding standards of other countries and regions by guaranteeing the quality and safety of their noodles.

Furthermore, these companies are actively expanding their markets along the Belt and Road through technological research and development. For example, Hualian Food now produces more than 200 varieties of rice noodles, featuring Cantonese-style noodles as their showcase noodle product.

With market expansion all along the Belt and Road, Zhongshan noodles are becoming more and more popular with overseas customers. Last year, a Zhongshan native who lived in Panama, returned to his hometown and commissioned a factory in Zhongshan to produce noodles, with orders for more than 10 containers every year. This year, Zhongshan noodles have entered the Maldives market.