The Linyi Wholesalers Association recently held an Africa-focused trade matchmaking event in Lanshan district, aiming to boost China-Africa cooperation under its "thousands of enterprises from Linyi Trade City to seek opportunities overseas" initiative during the fourth RCEP (Shandong) Import Expo. 

Leveraging Linyi's strengths in manufacturing, commerce, and logistics, the event connected local enterprises with African buyers and trade organizations. Highlights included the appointment of international trade advisors, the signing of international chamber-of-commerce cooperation agreements, and the official launch of a global advisory service platform for market expansion.

In recent years, Lanshan has implemented its commercial logistics development strategy, accelerating the internationalization of the Linyi market. The district has established 31 overseas markets and warehouses in countries including Russia, South Korea, and Kazakhstan under the Belt and Road Initiative.

From January to May, Linyi's market procurement exports exceeded 30 billion yuan ($4.18 billion), exhibition trade reached 8.7 billion yuan, and export declarations under code 9610 totaled 3.75 million orders.

The African market, with its vast potential, remains a key focus. The Linyi Wholesale Association, a vital bridge in international commerce, has led multiple trade missions to Africa. Earlier this month, the association hosted the 2025 Linyi Trade City Quality Products (Angola) Expo, with 200 companies displaying building materials, hardware, and consumer goods. Plans are also underway to establish an overseas warehouse in Luanda's Haishan Trade City to offer faster, localized services.

"This is more than a procurement event – it's a landmark of friendship and shared growth," said an official from Lanshan's wholesale market authority.