Move towards the "new" and experience the diverse beauty of the "Belt and Road".

In recent years, Chinese foreign trade enterprises have continuously deepened their efforts in the "Belt and Road" market, accelerating trade exchanges with partners and opening a new chapter. Against the backdrop of a sluggish global economy and weakening demand in traditional markets, the "Belt and Road" market has stepped up to become an important force in promoting the quality and stability of China's foreign trade.

At the recently held 136th Canton Fair, many participating companies reported a significant increase in export orders to countries involved in the "Belt and Road" initiative, which is a strong testament to this trend. By forming new partnerships, exploring new markets, and seeking new cooperation, Chinese trade enterprises warmly embrace guests from all over the world, writing a vivid footnote to the high-quality co-construction of the "Belt and Road".

　　"A small pen outlines a big market"

"The company has continuously deepened its efforts in the 'Belt and Road' market, with products mainly exported to Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey, the UAE, Vietnam, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Serbia, Chile, and other countries and regions." Li Chuan, the business manager of Wenzhou Aihua Pen Industry Co., Ltd., told reporters that in the first nine months of this year, the company's export volume to countries involved in the "Belt and Road" initiative exceeded 50 million USD, accounting for 18% of the total export volume.

Founded in 1995, Aihua Pen Industry is a stationery company focused on the research and development of writing instruments. Its main products include gel pens, ballpoint pens, highlighters, rollerball pens, mechanical pencils, watercolor pens, and fountain pens, with over 100 specifications and varieties. The company has a complete research and development and production capability for stationery categories and a sales network service capability, becoming a large stationery manufacturing enterprise with leading scale and technology in the domestic industry.

In Li Chuan's view, although a pen seems simple, the design and innovation it contains should not be underestimated. Originality is an important reason for Aihua Pen Industry's steady overseas expansion over the years. "For markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, the company has developed products that better align with local aesthetic styles and writing habits. The 'down-to-earth' original designs have made the products very popular in the local market."

The continuous expansion of the overseas market has also accelerated the company's own transformation and upgrading. Li Chuan stated that to reduce production costs and improve production efficiency, the company has accelerated its layout in intelligent manufacturing, transforming automated assembly production lines through independent research and development, which has comprehensively improved production efficiency and product quality. "For example, in product assembly, machines can assemble 20,000 pens a day, while a skilled worker can assemble a maximum of 2,000 pens. One machine can replace 10 workers, which not only expands our production capacity but also achieves cost reduction and efficiency increase."

"By participating in the Canton Fair, the company has met many buyers from countries involved in the 'Belt and Road' initiative, while also accelerating the research and development and sales speed of new products." Li Chuan said he hopes to meet more new partners from countries involved in the "Belt and Road" initiative in the future.

　　"The 'hometown of silk' weaves a new atmosphere"

Zhoucun in Zibo, Shandong, known as the "hometown of silk," is home to the only comprehensive private silk production and operation enterprise in the country that integrates silk reeling, weaving, dyeing, printing, yarn dyeing, long car dyeing, home textile products, silk crafts, and a complete industrial chain for both domestic and foreign trade—Zibo Darenfang Silk Group Co., Ltd.

"We are an old enterprise with a history of a hundred years, and also a 'veteran of the Canton Fair.'" The company's general manager, Zhang Xiaoguang, introduced that the silk products produced by the company were mainly exported to Europe and the United States in the past, but in recent years, they have continuously entered the high-end markets of countries involved in the "Belt and Road" initiative. Last year, the company's export volume to these countries reached 30 million USD, and this year it has exceeded 50 million USD.

"With the expansion of the company's business, we have specifically established foreign trade and e-commerce departments to sell through various channels such as e-commerce platforms, achieving good results." Zhang Xiaoguang said that at the same time, the company has also enhanced its product design and innovation capabilities, launching customized product services and a series of new products that meet the aesthetic preferences of local markets to satisfy the diverse needs of different customer groups.

Zhang Xiaoguang stated that in terms of technological innovation, the company continues to invest in research and development, successfully solving problems such as silk fabric fading and wrinkling. These technological breakthroughs not only improve product quality but also enhance the company's core competitiveness.

"In recent years, platforms like the Canton Fair have created many new opportunities for private enterprises to participate in high-quality co-construction of the 'Belt and Road,' expand overseas markets, and enhance foreign exchange and cooperation." Zhang Xiaoguang said, "I hope the company can showcase its ambitions here, achieve its expected goals, and build momentum for long-term development!"

Reporter: Li Ke