LINYI (SHANDONG): The Linyi International Trade Centre in Shandong Province, China, is targeting greater participation from Malaysian companies to expand bilateral trade relations through the provision of a one-stop service ecosystem.
Operations manager Wang Jisheng said the trade centre, established in 2011, has so far seen the participation of only five Malaysian companies.
“These Malaysian companies, which focus on the mining, international trade and logistics sectors, have been operating here for more than a year.
“The main objective of the trade centre is to bring together and leverage the strengths of natural resources and human capital to augment their impact globally. In 2024, it recorded export value totalling 52 billion yuan (RM32.81 billion),” he told Bernama.
Wang was speaking in Mandarin, with his remarks translated by Ipoh Timor Member of Parliament Howard Lee, who is leading the media and student delegation for the fourth edition of the Linyi Trade City International Sourcing Conference which begins on Wednesday.
The Linyi International Trade Centre is hosting the conference.
The trade centre’s second phase, involving an estimated investment of 800 million yuan, is expected to begin construction at a nearby site next year.
On the objectives behind the establishment of the Linyi International Trade Centre, Wang said the business centre serves as an export hub for various products destined for several countries, including South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.
“So far, the main exports to the Malaysian market include metal and iron products, building materials, and personal protective equipment for the construction sector,” he said.
Since the establishment of the Linyi International Trade Centre, Wang said, the trading platform has been utilised by more than 2,000 companies from Linyi and more than 7,670 registered companies from across China.
“As attractive incentives, the business platform offers free office rental and one free residential apartment unit to every registered company,” he said, adding that foreign companies are required to register with the Linyi International Trade Centre and comply with the stipulated conditions.
Wang said the local government also provides 11 dedicated service counters to handle administrative approvals, foreign relations, permits and company certifications for businesses interested in using the Linyi International Trade Centre as a platform to expand the reach of their products.
“This business platform facilitates companies in resolving customs-related issues, managing tariffs and connecting traders with customs clearance agents,” he said.
On the 4th Linyi Trade City International Sourcing Conference, Wang said the three-day exhibition starting on Oct 28 will give international buyers an opportunity to discover products offered by participating companies and is expected to attract tens of thousands of participants and more than 3,000 exhibitors from across China.
“The local business ecosystem is further strengthened through the organisation of prestigious events such as the upcoming conference,” he said.
The event, themed “Connecting Global Markets, Sourcing Quality Products Across the World”, reflects the historic city’s commitment to actively strengthening supply chains while reinforcing its role as an important economic and trade hub connecting China with global markets, he added.