On September 19, China's first "Belt and Road"-themed comprehensive trade service platform for specialized markets, the "Belt and Road" Foreign Trade Integrated Service Platform of Guangzhou Yuexiu District Specialized Markets, was officially launched in Yulong Fashion Plaza, Guangzhou.

This platform is committed to providing all-around, one-stop services for trade enterprises and merchants from countries and regions participating in the "Belt and Road" cooperation. It represents an important effort by Guangzhou to deepen high-level opening-up and promote the transformation and upgrading of foreign trade.

(Photo: Guangzhou Municipal Administration for Market Regulation)

(Photo: Chen Jinxia)

Focusing on government, business, and living Services

The platform is jointly established by the Guangzhou Municipal Administration for Market Supervision and the Yuexiu District Government. It adopts an operational model of "1 platform + 3 specialized zones + N services" and focuses on three core functions: government services, business services, and living services.

It integrates the responsibilities of 15 departments, including the Guangzhou Municipal Administration for Market Supervision, the Yuexiu District Government, and district-level education, commerce, taxation, and customs departments, achieving efficient resource integration and coordinated operation.

The platform offers services such as registration, intellectual property protection, quality inspection, visa issuance, residence permits, cargo customs clearance, cross-border tax incentives, and foreign trade business consulting.

In addition, it provides services like foreign currency exchange, financial and tax affairs, visa agency, financial and financing, international receipts and payments, response to technical trade measures, cargo customs declaration, and handling of import and export licenses.

(Photo: Guangzhou Municipal Administration for Market Supervision)

It also offers living services such as medical and educational information consulting, travel arrangements, and mobile phone and bank card applications, forming a closed loop of "one-stop" cross-border trade services to fully meet the diverse needs of enterprises and global merchants.

Boosting trade between Guangzhou and foreign countries

As one of the attendees, Khatibu Makenga, the Consul-General of Tanzania in Guangzhou, spoke highly of the platform. "I believe that the platform will ensure that trade between countries along the 'Belt and Road', especially between African nations and China, becomes more competitive, affordable, and accessible. This platform encourages us to invite more African businessmen to come to China."

"Sometimes businessmen have very limited time when they come to buy products. This platform allows them to extend their visas, which is very beneficial," he highlighted the concrete conveniences the platform offers to African merchants.

He also noted the platform offers currency exchange via ATMs, allowing traders to convert their home currencies locally, which is a major convenience for business operations.

He further expressed high expectations for its role in boosting mutual trade. "I expect a high volume of trade between Africa and China. This platform will not only allow our businesspeople to buy products but also enable them to learn efficient, easy, and modern ways of doing business. There's so much to learn from this platform."

Guangzhou-made beauty & haircare products (Photo: Chen Jinxia)

At the launch ceremony of the platform, the Guangzhou Intellectual Property Protection Center released the Guide to Intellectual Property Protection in African Countries. This guide provides clear guidance on intellectual property layout and protection strategies for enterprises in Africa, assisting them in exploring emerging markets there.

(Photo: Guangzhou Municipal Administration for Market Supervision)