Hongqiao Intl Coffee Harbor: A new frontier for Silk Road E-commerce cooperation

The State Council, China's Cabinet, approved the establishment of a pilot zone for Silk Road E-commerce cooperation in Shanghai, marking a significant step forward in promoting institutional opening-up in the e-commerce sector last October. A year into its creation, the zone has achieved remarkable progress.

Hongqiao International Coffee Harbor, located within the Hongqiao Pinhui, also known as the Hongqiao Import Commodity Exhibition and Trade Center, has emerged as a key player in the new initiative. The harbor houses numerous coffee enterprises, many of which are from Silk Road E-commerce partner countries. Coffee beans from around the world are traded and distributed at the hub, showcasing the vitality of the e-commerce platform.

One notable example is the livestreaming room of "Mr. Zha's Coffee Universe", founded by Huang Junhao, a popular blogger in the coffee industry. Through this platform, Huang has sold over 30,000 bags of coffee beans in just over 30 livestreaming sessions. His livestreams serve as a bridge between consumers and coffee bean producers, providing in-depth introductions to the origins and production processes of the beans.

Huang Junhao's livestreams serve as a bridge between consumers and coffee bean producers. [Photo/WeChat ID: scofcom]

The Hongqiao International Coffee Harbor operates on a "front shop, back warehouse" trade model, allowing for the direct import and sales of coffee beans. Thanks to tariff reductions and improved logistics, the hub has seen an increase in the variety and affordability of coffee beans, enhancing consumer satisfaction.

With 58 enterprises, including 20 from Silk Road E-commerce partner countries, Hongqiao International Coffee Harbor is not only a hub for coffee trade but also a symbol of Shanghai's commitment to promoting high-quality development along the Belt and Road.