China’s southern technology hub Shenzhen has rolled out plans for a big expansion of car exports, a plan that is likely to fuel western fears about rising Chinese competition for domestic manufacturers. The municipal government of Shenzhen, where the world’s largest electric vehicle maker BYD has its headquarters, unveiled 24 measures including support for factory construction, opening new sea routes and allowing another 20 companies to export second-hand cars, according to a statement released by the city’s commerce bureau late on Monday. 

The policy was crafted to “seize the opportunity from the development of car exports” and build an industrial cluster bridging car production, shipping and trade, the statement said, while aiming to turn Shenzhen into “a new generation world-class auto city”.

Local officials also said they would introduce services to support car exporters, including improving export insurance, speeding up tax refunds and encouraging Chinese banks to provide consumer financing for overseas car buyers. The plan also called for exporters to purchase more car-carrying ships to create a Chinese-owned fleet of roll-on, roll-off vessels.