China's exports had been declining since late last year, but have picked up in recent months. Exports in October rose by 11.6 percent from a year earlier, compared to the 9.9 percent year-on-year increase registered in September, according to the General Administration of Customs.

Yiwu's impressive export performance, Chen explained, is attributed to a number of measures taken to improve services for customers.

While consolidating its business in traditional export markets, the city has also been successful in expanding into emerging markets, such as Latin America, Africa and Eastern Europe, he said

By the end of September, the number of foreign trade companies registered in Yiwu reached 4,658, up 29.4 percent year-on-year.

While plans for the pilot zone are expected to give a significant boost to exports, Chen said he hopes imports will also rise significantly as a result.

"We used to be considered a good export platform for all types of commodities from China. Now we could be used to bring overseas products back into China too," he said.