The 2023 China (Ningbo) United Nations Procurement Promotion Conference is held at the Ningbo International Conference Center on Sept 7. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

The 2023 China (Ningbo) United Nations Procurement Promotion Conference was held at the Ningbo International Conference Center on Sept 7. 

Organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and hosted by the Ningbo Municipal People's Government, the conference attracted nearly 400 representatives from key industries across the country.

The conference aimed to provide practical training and opportunities for participating industries to engage in UN procurement, an important service offered by the UN system. Through market procurement, UN procurement assists developing countries and regions by providing technical assistance, fostering economic growth, and supporting sustainable social development.

In 2021, China emerged as the third largest supplier in UN procurement, with a total procurement value of $1.73 billion. Over 10,000 Chinese companies registered as UN suppliers, the second most in the world.

Considering China's vast manufacturing capabilities and comprehensive range of industrial and product categories, Yu Jianlong, vice-chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, emphasized the significance of the procurement promotion conference. He believes that it allows Chinese enterprises to expand their offerings and services in the UN's "shopping list", while enabling UN agencies to fully leverage the advantages of Chinese goods.

Ningbo, a strategic hub for trade and advanced manufacturing, boasts exceptional industrial foundations and conditions, making it an ideal participant in the UN procurement program.