Lanzhou Trade Fair Boosts Economic Ties
Deals worth $90 Billion Signed at China’s Belt and Road Event
The 31st China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair commenced in **Lanzhou**, Gansu province, signaling a pivotal moment for international trade and cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative. The event drew over 2,000 enterprises.
International Collaboration
This year, Indonesia was the guest of honor. The fair witnessed a surge in international participation. Representatives from over 20 countries, such as Germany, Spain, Russia, Malaysia, and Iran, were present, in addition to delegates from 18 Chinese municipalities, provinces, autonomous regions, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The fair is strategically organized into four distinct zones. These encompass international Silk Road cooperation, regional exchange, consumer goods, and specialized industries from Gansu. The zones spotlight products from equipment manufacturing to data information.
Over 30 forums and trade events are planned during the fair, providing platforms for discussion and deal-making.
Indonesia’s Role
Indonesian Ambassador to China, **Djauhari Oratmangun**, said that the 16 Indonesian enterprises are showcasing coffee, foods, handicrafts, and traditional batik. He further stated the hope that both countries would strengthen collaboration on renewable energy, modern agriculture, and cultural tourism.
“Indonesia’s 16 attending enterprises were presenting coffee, foods, handicrafts and traditional batik, and expressed the hope that the two countries would deepen cooperation on renewable energy, modern agriculture and cultural tourism.”—Djauhari Oratmangun, Indonesian Ambassador to China
Since its inception in 1993, the Lanzhou fair has become Gansu’s premier international economic event. This year, it has facilitated 1,181 investment projects, totaling over 650 billion yuan (approximately 90.9 billion U.S. dollars). Sectors include new energy equipment, agricultural processing, new materials, and digital technology.
Economic Impact
Trade fairs like this offer a significant boost to regional economies. For example, the U.S. trade show industry alone contributes over $325 billion to the country’s GDP annually, supporting millions of jobs (IAEE).
