Lisa Podolny (right), consul and chief of provincial relations of the US Consulate General in Shanghai, talks with a shopkeeper at the Yiwu International Trade Market. [Photo/WeChat account: yiwuwaishi]

A delegation from the US Consulate General in Shanghai, led by Lisa Podolny, its consul and chief of provincial relations, visited Yiwu in Zhejiang province on Feb 17.

Wu Dan, director of the Yiwu foreign affairs office, welcomed the delegation and introduced Yiwu's economic and social development.

Wu highlighted Yiwu's status as a city with unlimited business opportunities, accessible logistics, and an open and inclusive culture. The two sides discussed the long-standing collaboration between Yiwu and the US in areas such as economic and trade investment, city-to-city relations, and people-to-people interactions.

During the tour, the delegation visited the Yiwu International Trade Market, US-invested enterprises, and the Senshan Health Town.

The flourishing business and development of Yiwu as the world's largest small commodity distribution center, especially the Yiwu Small Commodities Market, greatly impressed the Shanghai delegation.

Podolny expressed her desire to encourage US companies to participate in Yiwu's import exhibitions and trade events and invest in Yiwu.