Chinese City Leverages Comprehensive Opening for High-Quality Growth at RCEP Import Expo

Linyi's Path to High-Quality Growth

On April 22, 2026, the city of Linyi marked a significant milestone by hosting the 5th RCEP (Shandong) Import Expo. This event attracted numerous buyers and exhibitors from 48 countries, reaffirming the city's strengths in fostering global trade relationships. As one of China's pioneering wholesale market centers, Linyi is embracing a comprehensive opening strategy to strengthen its economic prospects and establish itself as a key player in the international market.

Economic Highlights

In the past year, Linyi Trade City recorded a staggering total sales figure of 708.53 billion yuan, along with a logistics total valued at 1.08 trillion yuan. The city's gross import-export value reached 124.52 billion yuan, underscoring its dynamic role in regional commerce. Linyi is ambitiously working towards developing its trade city into an international distribution and logistics hub by 2035, as outlined in a government bulletin from the Shandong province.

In October 2025, the Shandong provincial government unveiled 22 measures aimed at supporting the high-quality development of Linyi Trade City. Following this, Linyi implemented a dual-center development model to optimize local infrastructure and enhance operational mechanisms. This initiative has been instrumental in advancing key sectors such as customs clearance, logistics, finance, legal services, and risk control, which are all critical for facilitating trade and investment.

Surge in International Trade

Under these strategies, Linyi's foreign trade with Africa dramatically surged in 2025, increasing by an impressive 109.3% year-on-year to 21.26 billion yuan. The city is now focusing on emerging markets like Africa, the ASEAN region, and the Middle East, which have become pivotal growth engines for local exports. A spokesperson from the Linyi Municipal Bureau of Commerce noted that these markets are essential for expanding Linyi's international trade footprint.

Additionally, Linyi has launched integrated service facilities to bolster high-quality foreign trade growth. Two major facilities—the Linyi International Trade Center and the Linyi Digital Trade Center—were inaugurated in early February. These centers combine services related to customs, taxation, foreign exchange, finance, and logistics under one roof, thus simplifying processes and improving overall trade efficiency. This digital transformation lowers barriers for local enterprises, making it easier for them to engage in international commerce.

Fostering Trade Relations

To further stimulate trade, Linyi regularly organizes international exhibitions and local events targeting foreign merchants. These initiatives are designed to encourage bidirectional trade flows and establish new trade routes extending to Central and Southeast Asia and other vital markets. The cumulative effects of these efforts provide robust support for Linyi’s strategy to propel trade development through expanded openness and connectivity.

In summary, Linyi's recent endeavors and initiatives signify its commitment to fostering an open economy that can nurture high-quality growth. As the city prepares for future opportunities, it stands out as a vibrant hub for international trade and economic exchange, setting an inspiring precedent for other regions in China and beyond.