China's share in world's exports reached 8.8 percent by 2007, making it the world's 2nd largest exporter, only after Germany, said the National Statistics Bureau (NBS) on Tuesday.

According to a statement released on NBS website, China's foreign trade has been growing at an average annual rate of 17.4 pct to US$2,173.7 billion from US$20.6 billion since 1978 when its reform and opening-up began.

With persistent government efforts to boost foreign trade and encourage investment, China's exports rose from US$9.8 billion to 1,217.8 billion dollars during the period, and imports gained from US$10.9 billion to US$956 billion, said the statement.

(Xinhua News Agency October 28, 2008)