Linyi shatters records as 5th RCEP Expo concludes

The 5th RCEP (Shandong) Import Expo concluded on April 22 in Linyi, delivering a historic performance that set new benchmarks in terms of scale and international influence.

Spanning 35,000 square meters, the event hosted more than 400 global suppliers and over 5,300 domestic and overseas buyers, attracting about 35,000 visitors. This record-breaking level of participation solidifies Linyi's position as a premier gateway for cross-border commerce.

This year's success was defined by four major breakthroughs. First, internationalization reached a new peak with 18 national pavilions and five international sister-city halls, featuring South Korea as the guest country of honor.

The English-Chinese brochure "A Letter to the World from Linyi" debuts at the 5th RCEP (Shandong) Import Expo. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Second, the expo's platform status was elevated through high-level collaborations like the 2026 "Overseas Chinese Assisting Thousands of Enterprises and Products to Go Global" matchmaking meeting and the 2026 "Premium Exports Homebound" initiative, which effectively bridged domestic and foreign markets.

A significant breakthrough was achieved in ASEAN cooperation. During the expo, Linyi established a dedicated ASEAN comprehensive exhibition area, deepening trade ties with Southeast Asian markets.

Finally, the event mastered the art of integration, blending exhibitions, industry, and consumption. By launching the Langya Market and organizing cultural tourism activities, the expo successfully converted massive visitor traffic into tangible economic growth.

Moving forward, Linyi aims to leverage these achievements to accelerate the digitalization of its famous trade city. By deepening ties with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, the city is committed to building a high-level opening-up platform, contributing a powerful Linyi momentum to China's integrated domestic and foreign trade development.

(chinadaily.com.cn)