To encourage more businesses to export products overseas the local government has launched a series of policies, including participating in world exhibitions, to promote the growth of local small and medium-sized businesses.

In the first five months of this year, more than 90 companies have expanded their ceramics businesses to 39 Belt and Road economies. The total export volume exceeded $13.43 million, which was a 41.2 percent increase year-on-year.

"During the process, we also realized that companies need to improve quality to gain momentum when facing fierce competition in global markets," said Zheng Fuyao, assistant to chairman of Fujian Dehua Hiap Huat Koyo Toki Co Ltd.

"Therefore, we focused on research and development of products and we brought over R&D teams from Japan, the United Kingdom and Singapore to jointly develop products," he added.

Through such efforts, the company has greatly improved product quality and technological processes, lifting prices.

A common plain white ceramic plate used to sell for 5 yuan (72 cents) but now fetch $10, Zheng said.

The company mainly targets global high-end hotels and has developed products using world-class techniques. "The traditional Maritime Silk Road once helped made-in-China porcelain products to go global. In recent years, the Belt and Road Initiative has created a new opportunity to access the world stage," Zheng said.

"We will definitely continue to make more quality improvements and innovations to promote products from Dehua county to more Belt and Road economies in the coming years," he added.