Wuhan, located in the hinterland of the China's inland market, is the largest inland circulation center. The commodity market in Wuhan is characterized with its strong distribution function and wide radiating effect. Businessmen, home and abroad, all regard the Wuhan market as the strategic pivot to grab China's inland market. Since the ancient times, Wuhan has developed into a commercial center. During the Ming Dynasty, Wuhan was one of the four largest famousbusiness towns in China.

In 1865, Wuhan was designated as an opening trade port for the outside world. Its foreign trading has long taking the second position of the country. It is said "goods active in Wuhan", which means that businessmen could sell their commodity in a shorter time in Wuhan.

Today,Wuhan accommodates more than 116,000 retail network and shops and over 300 food and vegetable markets that constitute 8 major market quarters, and 12 shopping streets, providing customers with their corresponding specialties.

In 1998, the Wuhan total volume of retail sales is 45.6 billion RMB, is quite ahead of most cities in retailed sales. Its 19 large-sized retail has an annual volume of retail sales over 0.1 billion RMB respectively, and also its 4 retail stores are listed as Top 100 national largest retail stores. The Hanzhenjie market, one of the largest national small commodities whole- sale markets, is proud of its annual volume of whole sales exceeding 8 billion RMB. The small commodities from this market cover about 600 counties and cities of 29 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions. Wuhan also sees her fast expansion in international trade and economic cooperation. In 1997, the total export volume in Wuhan amounted to 0.94 billion US dollars. The major commodities for export were steel, machine, electronic product, textile products and dress.

 
Wuhan is the financial center of Central China region. Its financial market is invigorating for a long time. Over 20 foreign banks once opened their branches at Wuhan. In this sense, Wuhan is one of the four largest financial centers in the whole country. At present, there are 2257financial agencies in the city. By the end of 1996, Wuhan has stablished its automatic handling system for negotiable papers and bills within the city. In August, 1997, Wuhan puts its Financial data network into operation, this quickened the circulation of fund. By now, 9 foreign financial agencies have set up their branches in Wuhan including 7 representative offices and 2 branch banks. กก