The 2024 China Guanxian Steel Plate Industry Opening-up and International Precision Procurement Conference took place in Guanxian County from June 26 to 28, 2024. This event, organized by the People's Government of Guanxian County, aimed to highlight the region's prominence in the steel plate industry and foster international trade relationships under the theme "Shandong Good Products for Global Trade."
Guanxian County has established itself as a powerhouse in the steel plate processing industry, boasting 1,233 steel plate processing companies that employ over 35,000 workers. The county's annual processing capacity reaches an impressive 16 million metric tons of various types of steel plates. This robust industry has enabled Guanxian to export its products to more than 120 countries and regions, primarily in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America.
The significance of Guanxian's steel plate industry extends beyond mere production numbers. Many of the county's steel plate "star products" have been utilized in major projects both domestically and internationally. This widespread adoption has solidified Guanxian's position as the largest fine steel plate processing industry cluster in China. Furthermore, the county has been recognized as a demonstration base and characteristic industrial cluster for the transformation and upgrading of Shandong Province's high-quality steel plate foreign trade.
A key highlight of the conference was the certification of Guanxian County as an SGS "Global Procurement Base" for the steel plate industry. SGS, a world-leading inspection, verification, testing, and certification company, bestowed this recognition, further validating Guanxian's status in the global steel market. This certification is likely to enhance the county's credibility and attract more international buyers.
The conference facilitated direct interactions between international buyers and local manufacturers. Over 100 overseas buyers engaged in detailed discussions and negotiations with more than 110 local steel plate companies. These interactions focused on steel plate procurement opportunities and strategies for market expansion, potentially leading to new business partnerships and increased export volumes for Guanxian's steel industry.
Guanxian County's approach to industry development goes beyond mere production capacity. The local government is actively promoting green and intelligent development within the steel plate sector. This initiative involves optimizing industrial processes, improving technological equipment, enhancing comprehensive waste utilization, and driving digital transformation. By focusing on innovation-driven development, Guanxian aims to strengthen its competitive edge through "digital and intelligence +" strategies, accelerating the development of new quality productive forces.
The county's efforts to optimize its industry and streamline trade channels demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to maintaining its position in the global steel market. By embracing technological advancements and sustainable practices, Guanxian is positioning itself to meet evolving international standards and market demands, ensuring the long-term viability and competitiveness of its steel plate industry.
