Back from Urumqi: Promising First Steps into Central Asia
We’ve just returned from a productive trip to Urumqi, Xinjiang, where we took part in the “Sailing Out, Trading Worldwide” matchmaking conference. The energy there was palpable—a real gathering of businesses ready to connect.
The event’s premise was powerful: leveraging Xinjiang’s historic role along the Silk Road to help Shandong companies like ours find new partners in Central Asia. It felt less like a formal conference and more like a well-organized hub of opportunity.
One of the key speakers, Mr. Yan Suifeng, put it well. He talked about how this year marks 12 years of the Belt and Road Initiative, and you could really feel that momentum in the room. The message was clear: the timing is right for Shandong’s manufacturing strength to meet the growing needs of Central Asian markets.
The focus was on specialties from Wucheng County, and honestly, it was impressive to see the range of quality products on display, from auto parts to new materials. It positioned us all as part of a cohesive, high-standard regional brand.
For us at Shunda, the real value was on the conference floor. We had a steady stream of visitors to our booth. The most common question we got was, “Can your systems handle our specific climate demands?” It was a great chance to explain the adaptability and durability built into our energy-efficient air conditioning solutions.
I remember a particularly engaging conversation with a buyer from Kazakhstan. He wasn’t just browsing; he had technical specs in hand and knew exactly what he was looking for. “This is exactly what our market has been waiting for,” he told us after discussing one of our new models. That kind of direct, positive feedback is what makes these trips so worthwhile.
We didn’t just give out brochures; we exchanged contact information and have already scheduled a few follow-up video calls. That’s the real success—coming home with a list of concrete next steps.
This trip has given us a much clearer picture of the Central Asian market. We’re coming back not just with leads, but with a real sense of excitement. A heartfelt thanks to the organizers and to every potential partner who took the time to speak with us. We’re looking forward to turning these initial conversations into lasting partnerships.
