On November 29, a railway container train loaded with 1,000 tons of tapioca starch departed from Vientiane South Station on the China-Laos Railway, bound for Zhengzhou, Henan. This marks the first time Laos has exported tapioca starch to China in bulk via rail.
China's vast market presents immense global opportunities. As the world'ss largest developing country, China consistently prioritizes shared development in international cooperation. The "15th Five-Year Plan" emphasizes expanding high-level openness and fostering win-win cooperation, advocating for "sharing opportunities and development with the world." Many developing countries have seen their specialty products enter the Chinese market, boosting local industries and improving livelihoods. By opening its doors wider, China is sharing its development dividends and injecting new momentum into the global economy.
In November, pine nuts harvested from Pakistan's western regions hit the market. At a bazaar in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, vendors displayed a variety of pine nuts. "This year is a bumper harvest. I source pine nuts from the mountains and sell some to exporters bound for China," said stall owner Altaf Hussain. "The more China demands, the more we earn."
Since 2020, Pakistani pine nuts have enjoyed zero-tariff access to China. In 2024, exports to China exceeded $18 million, up 14% year-on-year. Pine nut plantations have expanded across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with processing and sorting machines imported from China enhancing yield and quality. "Thanks to China's open market and tariff policies, Pakistan's pine nut industry has flourished, becoming a key supplier to China," said Nurollah Khan of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council. "Pine nuts have gone viral in China, upgrading our industry and benefiting more people."
As the world's second-largest consumer and import market, China is a top export destination for nearly 80 countries and regions. Its massive market is turning "Chinese demand" into "global opportunities."
In August 2025, the Southern African Macadamia Growers' Association participated in China's International Nut Conference. "We actively promote South African macadamias on Chinese social media," said CEO Liesel Pretorius. In 2024, China imported 48,000 tons of macadamia nuts in-shell and 2,200 tons of kernels from South Africa, accounting for 54% of the country's exports. For the 2025 season, 48% of in-shell exports are destined for China. "China is a vital partner," Pretorius noted, adding that the industry supports nearly 100,000 jobs.
China's collaboration with least-developed countries (LDCs) has also borne fruit. In Bangladesh, over 2,000 rural women weave jute handicrafts sold in China and globally via e-commerce. Dadu Ltd., a local firm, grew from a 10-person startup to a 2,000-employee enterprise after exhibiting at the China International Import Expo (CIIE). Afghan carpets, Senegalese shea butter, and Malian baobab powder also debuted at the 8th CIIE, where 163 LDC firms participated—a 23.5% increase. Over seven CIIEs, LDCs secured $418 million in deals, integrating into global value chains.
Mexico's National Autonomous University historian Cuauhtémoc Alcántara noted that platforms like CIIE signal China's commitment to global partnership, fostering trade and investment.
Peru's Shanghai Consulate Commercial Counselor Bernardo Muñoz highlighted growing trade facilitation, such as alpaca doll exports empowering female artisans. "We look forward to more cooperation in agriculture and market expansion," he said.
China is advancing zero-tariff policies for 53 African nations. Rwandan coffee trader Andy secured a container order this year, while Kenya's Denis Munene praised the policy for expanding avocado, tea, and fish exports.
Trade efficiency is also improving. ASEAN fruits reach Guangzhou in 7 hours and Beijing in 30, thanks to smart ports and expedited customs. Peru's "Qiankai-Shanghai" direct route cut fresh produce transit to 23 days, reducing costs by 20%. Laos' e-commerce platform, backed by China, links producers and buyers, boosting trade and jobs.
Thailand's Lee Renliang noted Hainan Free Trade Port's upcoming launch, which will ease exports of tropical fruits and goods.
"China's trade policies offer vast opportunities for developing nations," said UNIDO's Gerd Müller, praising China's multilateral commitment as "more crucial than ever."
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