On March 18, Zhongshan's Guzhen, long been known as the "Lighting Capital" of the world, took a significant step toward further expanding its international reach with the launch of Guangdong's "Cross-Border E-commerce (CBEC) + Industry Belt" initiative, aimed at boosting local lighting businesses through digital trade platforms.

During the event, Guzhen was announced as one of the first batches of 10 pilot zones for the "CBEC + Industry Belt" initiative, with others including industrial belts such as the toy business belt in Chenghai District of Shantou, the hardware and cutlery belt in Yangdong District of Yangjiang, and the women's shoe belt in Huizhou County of Huizhou, which are all exemplary models to drive high-quality development across various industries.

Cross-border e-commerce empowers local industry belts

Bringing together leading CBEC platforms, professional service providers, and lighting companies, the event focused on how cross-border e-commerce can help local lighting companies expand globally.

Guzhen, with an area of less than 50 square kilometers, hosts over 30,000 lighting businesses. Its products are exported to more than 130 countries and regions, making it the industry center for lighting production, trade, information, design, and technology.

Chen Changle, Deputy Director of Guzhen's Commerce Bureau, said the town has developed a comprehensive plan to support cross-border e-commerce, including optimizing the business environment, promoting brand building, and providing policy incentives.

"By leveraging cross-border e-commerce, we aim to transform traditional lighting businesses and help them go online and go global," Chen said. "Our goal is to create a supportive ecosystem that drives continuous growth in cross-border e-commerce exports."

Collective efforts to reduce costs and enhance competitiveness

Traditional markets like Europe and the US are experiencing high inflation and inventory adjustments, putting pressure on exporters. To address these challenges, local companies are exploring new models of collective overseas expansion.

Liu Gang, General Manager of Zhongshan Aurora International Supply Chain Management Co Ltd, said his company has initiated a cross-border alliance with several local factories. "By jointly stocking goods in overseas warehouses, we can reduce shipping costs and improve delivery times, making our products more competitive in international markets," Liu said.

Looking ahead, the initiative aims to support the development of international brands from Guangdong's industry belts and promote digital transformation among local enterprises. "We hope to help more 'Made in Guangdong' products reach the global market through CBEC," said Yang Ming, Director of Public Affairs at Made-in-China.com.