[RECAP] Benelux Chamber and FIT explore Business opportunities in Southwest China
On April 27th, the second China Western Cross-border E-commerce Expo (Cross-border Expo) kicked off in Chengdu, China. This event, spanning from April 27th to 29th, attracted visitors from all over the world and showcased the latest trends and developments in the e-commerce industry.
Since May 2022, a new air freight service connecting Brussels Airport and Shuangliu Airport (Chengdu) flies 3 times per week forth and back between these 2 hubs to meet the growing aviation logistics demand of China-Europe cross-border e-commerce. The cargo includes mechanical equipment, electronics, and e-commerce parcels and will be delivered to customers in Europe via trucks and connecting flights.
Benelux Chamber & Flanders Investment and Trade
The Benelux Chamber of Commerce and Flanders Investment and Trade were among the many organizations that attended this year's exhibition. They were among the 50,000 attendees who participated in the event, which featured nearly 400 cross-border e-commerce exhibitors across its 20,000 square meters of space.
During the event, both organizations leveraged their expertise, networks, and resources to provide valuable support and assistance to businesses from the Benelux and Flanders regions looking to enter the Chinese market. From organizing trade missions and networking events to providing market insights and business advice, the Benelux Chamber of Commerce and Flanders Investment & Trade have been instrumental in helping businesses navigate the complex and dynamic Chinese market.
The Expo
This year's Cross-border Expo was larger than its predecessor, with more content and a broader range of professional attendees. The event featured six exhibition areas, including the Import Supply Chain Zone, the Provincial and Municipal Industrial Belt Zone, the Cross-border Mainstream Platform Zone, the High-quality Cross-border Service Zone, the Cross-border E-commerce Pilot Zone, and the Industrial Function Zone.
The expo featured companies from across China and the international cross-border e-commerce industry, including well-known platforms, financial technology and regulatory compliance companies, logistics companies, and import and export enterprises. Among them were many listed companies, high-quality industrial chain enterprises, leading import and export companies, and well-known e-commerce platforms.
Visitors had the opportunity to see exhibits from companies from 16 cities in Sichuan Province, showcasing products such as automotive components and engine crankshafts, industrial water pump products, yachts, professional water sports ropes, carbon fiber raw materials, electronics, furniture, appliances, silk clothing, Chengdu women's shoes, intangible cultural heritage handmade wool felt, aromatherapy crafts, carpets, silk products, bamboo and wood products, toys, white wine, tea, and specialty agricultural products. Additionally, enterprises from Chongqing, Shaanxi, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi also presented their distinctive and advantageous industries at the expo.
Also Frank Van Eynde, FIT Representative in Shanghai, had a chance to introduce the Flanders region as a competitive hub for trading goods.
During the Cross-border Expo, nine cross-border e-commerce special forums were held. The topics included the development of cross-border e-commerce pilot zones, China's manufacturing brands going global, the creation of new import consumer scenes, talent cultivation in cross-border e-commerce, expansion into new emerging global markets, overseas marketing technology, and compliance in the full-chain operation. The forums invited well-known experts in specialized fields to provide in-depth interpretations of the hottest topics in the cross-border e-commerce industry, unlocking the latest industry applications, such as ChatGPT/AIGC.
One highlight of the event was the formation of the Western Cross-border E-commerce Development Alliance. This initiative was launched by cross-border e-commerce industry organizations, social groups, and industry service centers in various comprehensive pilot zones in the western region of China. The alliance aims to promote the adjustment of industrial structures and the development of outward-oriented industries in the western region of China.
In conclusion, the second China Western Cross-border E-commerce Expo was a resounding success, attracting visitors from all over the world and showcasing the latest trends and developments in the e-commerce industry. The event offered an excellent opportunity for exhibitors and attendees to network, share knowledge, and gain insights into the rapidly evolving world of cross-border e-commerce. With the formation of the Western Cross-border E-commerce Development Alliance, we can look forward to further developments and exciting opportunities in this exciting industry.