Trade forum looks to open doors of China's Hai'an County to the world

来源:CGTN 时间:2020-09-17 09:19:03

Ambassador of Moldova to China Dumitru Braghis speaking at the international trade forum to promote business in Hai'an County, Beijing, China, September 15, 2020. Hu Zhou/CGTN

As China further opens up its economy, a county near Shanghai is attracting traders from across the world. Around 20 embassies in China took part in a forum held in Beijing on Tuesday to promote business in Hai'an, a county-level city in southeastern Jiangsu Province, situated 100 miles from Shanghai. Through the international trade forum, Hai'an is hoping to link itself to the world.

"Moldova is still not known in China, and this is our biggest hurdle in promoting bilateral trade. This is a unique chance to be presented on the Chinese market, on Chinese TV and radio stations," said Ambassador of Moldova to China Dumitru Braghis. "And we'll succeed in increasing our bilateral trade, which is quite important for Moldova. Because in Asia, China is the biggest wine market for Moldova."

The forum gathered ambassadors and other officials from nearly 20 foreign embassies in China. A couple of significant agreements were signed, including an agreement on the import of 3,000 tonnes of pine nuts, worth 80 million U.S. dollars, every year from Afghanistan.

Ambassador of Afghanistan to China Javid Ahmed Qaem speaking at the international trade forum to promote business in Hai'an County, Beijing, China, September 15, 2020. Hu Zhou/CGTN

"We've been trading for the last thousand years with each other. In recent years, I think agriculture is one big part where we can do more trade, specifically our fresh fruit," said Ambassador of Afghanistan to China Javid Ahmed Qaem.

He added that Chinese investors could also go to Afghanistan to invest in the energy and infrastructure sector. "We have 360 sunny days every year. They can invest in solar energy and clean energy."

Singing of agreement to import 3,000 tonnes of pine nuts, worth 80 million U.S. dollars, every year from Afghanistan to China. Hu Zhou/CGTN

Hai'an has a trade and logistics industrial park, which was built in 2013. The site is able to keep imported goods without the need to pay duties until they are released for sale.

Capitalizing on this, Hai'an has launched a new program aimed at attracting dozens of countries to sell their products both online and offline.

"Since July 18, nine countries have set up their own venues in our direct sales center. 20,000 types of products from 25 countries are being sold. They've attracted big wholesalers too, not only small retailers," said Li Haiyan, deputy manager of Hai'an Bonded Logistics Center.

With its land, air and sea routes, the Chinese county hopes to attract more and more traders from countries along the Belt and Road. 

责任编辑:张元元
相关内容