Trade forum looks to open China's Hai'an County to the world
Updated 13:52, 17-Sep-2020
By Wu Guoxiu, Bao Hongwei
01:55

As China further opens up its economy, a county near Shanghai is attracting traders from across the world. Diplomats from 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 eastern Jiangsu Province, some 100 miles from Shanghai. Through the international trade forum, Hai'an is hoping to link itself to the rest of 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 Moldova's Ambassador 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 attended by foreign ambassdors and other diplomats witnessed the signing of some agreements, including an import agreement of 3,000 tonnes of pine nuts, worth 80 million U.S. dollars, every year from Afghanistan. 

Afghan Ambassador to China Javid Ahmed Qaem speaks at an international trade forum to promote business in east China's Hai'an County, in Beijing, China, September 15, 2020. Hu Zhou/CGTN

Afghan Ambassador to China Javid Ahmed Qaem speaks at an international trade forum to promote business in east China's Hai'an County, in 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 Afghan Ambassador 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

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 called Hai'an Bonded Logistics Center, built in 2013, which is a tax-free storage zone for imported goods 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 county hopes to attract more traders from the Belt and Road countries and others in the world.

(Cover: Moldova's Ambassador to China Dumitru Braghis speaks at the international trade forum to promote business in east China's Hai'an County, in Beijing, China, September 15, 2020. Hu Zhou/CGTN)