Linyi News Release | Linyi: Advancing Mall Internationalization to Create a New

On May 9, the Linyi Municipal Government Information Office hosted a press conference to announce the 4th RCEP Regional (Shandong) Imported Goods Expo and the 3rd Linyi Mall International Buyers Conference under the Belt and Road Initiative. Sun Deshi, a member of the Party Leadership Group and Deputy Mayor, provided details about the two events, while senior officials from the Municipal Commerce Bureau and Linyi Mall Management Committee addressed questions from the media.

With approval from the Shandong Provincial Government, the 4th RCEP Regional (Shandong) Imported Goods Expo is set for June 27 to 29 in Linyi. Organized by the Linyi Municipal Government and the Shandong Provincial Department of Commerce, and executed by the Municipal Commerce Bureau, Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, Linyi Mall Management Committee, and Lanshan District Government, the expo embraces the theme of “Innovation, Openness, and Integration.” Moving beyond the traditional concept of a single trade show, it aims to serve as a platform for global engagement, a catalyst for boosting consumer spending, a conduit for trade connections, and a hub for integrating domestic and international markets. The expo will showcase high-quality imported goods and facilitate trade linkages while emphasizing Linyi’s distinct identity. It will adopt a “3+N” layout: “3” refers to three exhibition halls (Halls 1, 2, and 3) at the Linyi International Expo Center, featuring 11 indoor exhibition zones and one multifunctional area, spanning 35,000 square meters with 1,200 international standard booths; “N” refers to multiple specialized market zones at Linyi Mall’s International Trade Center, Lanhua Imported Goods City, Huafeng International Trade City, Hotel Supplies City, International Food City, and Haoduobao, among others.

The expo will follow a “1+10” model, comprising an opening ceremony and ten complementary activities: the 8th China International Import Expo roadshow, guest country promotion, “International Sister Cities at the Import Expo,” “Invest in Linyi” industry matchmaking, “Ten Thousand Enterprises Going Global, Shandong Trade Worldwide” targeted procurement and Shandong-Macao trade matchmaking, international investment cooperation exchanges, “International Buyers Visiting Malls and Enterprises,” influencer live-streaming product showcases, “Hospitable Shandong, Fashionable Linyi” cultural and tourism promotion, and “Taste of Linyi” traditional brand and culinary showcase. These activities will significantly enhance the expo’s global reach and professional standards.

Since the RCEP agreement’s implementation, regional cooperation has strengthened. In 2024, Linyi’s trade with RCEP countries totaled 78.65 billion yuan, up 9.7% year-on-year. In the first quarter of this year, trade reached 18.495 billion yuan, a 1.8% increase. Looking ahead, Linyi will continue its “Hundred Groups, Thousand Enterprises, Mall Going Global” initiative to expand trade and strategic partnerships with RCEP nations.

In alignment with the national Belt and Road Initiative and to integrate deeply into the dual-circulation development framework, Linyi will host the 3rd Linyi Mall International Buyers Conference from October 18 to 20. Themed “Gather at Linyi Mall, Join the Chinese Market,” the event is organized by the Linyi Municipal Government, with guidance from the China International Chamber of Commerce, the Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Commerce, and the Shandong Provincial Department of Commerce.

The conference will include a main venue and multiple specialized sessions. We will invite over 1,000 representatives from the international chamber of commerce and overseas buyers to engage with Linyi’s manufacturers and market merchants. On the morning of October 19, the main venue will host a plaque-awarding and project-signing ceremony, alongside international procurement negotiations. Targeted trade matchmaking sessions will be held in five districts, focusing on distinctive industries like hardware and labor protection, home decoration materials, cultural and sports goods, daily necessities, and small commodities, ensuring seamless connections between Linyi Mall’s supply chain and global procurement networks.

2025 marks a critical year for advancing Linyi Mall’s internationalization. Adopting a “one pole, two ends” strategy, Linyi Mall will implement key policies, including the 2025 Linyi Mall Internationalization Work Plan, 2025 Linyi Mall Transformation and Upgrading Support Policy, and Hundred Groups, Thousand Enterprises, Mall Going Global Expansion Plan. These efforts will drive mall internationalization, foster Linyi’s socioeconomic growth, and establish the city as a new hub for global engagement.

By Xu Qichao and Li Qingjuan, Linyi Media Center Reporters

(Editor: Li Ting)