In the fragrant month of April, as nature comes alive, the Fengxian Electric Tricycles Exhibition is hosting a special “Going Global” foreign trade matchmaking event. The event focuses on sharing insights and discussions on the development trends, strategies, and operational models of electric vehicles in international markets. Buyers from Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, India, and Indonesia, as well as European nations, have been invited to Fengxian for business negotiations. This initiative aims to help numerous domestic electric vehicle enterprises expand their horizons, introduce Chinese products and green mobility solutions to the world, and participate in global competition with high-quality products and service.

The "Going Global" Foreign Trade Procurement Matchmaking Conference serves as a platform for the electric vehicle industry to expand international cooperation, enhance economic exchanges, and foster collaboration. It acts as a bridge for communication between domestic and international enterprises, investment institutions, and cross-border platforms. During the conference, You Jianjun, Secretary-General of the Tricycle Branch of the China Chamber of Commerce for Motorcycle, and Zhang Hong, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Overseas Development Association, delivered speeches.

Secretary-General You Jianjun stated that Fengxian, as the birthplace of China's electric tricycle industry, has undergone more than 20 years of steady progress under policy guidance and the strong leadership of the Fengxian government. The industry has evolved from nonexistence to prominence, from fragmentation to consolidation, forging an innovative path of development. In recent years, China’s electric three-wheeler industry has witnessed a surge in global expansion. The timing of this foreign trade matchmaking event at the Fengxian Electric Tricycles Exhibition is highly opportune. He expressed his hope that electric three-wheeler enterprises and cross-border platforms will adopt a global perspective, unite efforts to build a cooperative and mutually beneficial industry ecosystem, and work together to explore new international markets. By doing so, they can contribute to maintaining a healthy domestic electric three-wheeler industry while shaping the future of China's electric three-wheeler sector on the global stage.

Secretary-General Zhang Hong stated that as the domestic electric three-wheeler market approaches saturation and global competition intensifies, the key challenge for Chinese electric three-wheeler enterprises is how to effectively "go global." Expanding participation in international cooperation, increasing overseas market share, and enhancing brand influence have become essential goals for high-quality development.

The China Overseas Development Association (CODA) is committed to fostering exchanges, facilitating cooperation, and providing relevant services. Leveraging the valuable opportunity of the Fengxian Exhibition's foreign trade matchmaking event, Secretary-General Zhang Hong offered five practical suggestions on overseas expansion and deepening international collaboration. These recommendations aim to help Fengxian's electric three-wheeler enterprises connect with global markets, explore new business opportunities, and enhance their international brand presence.

How can businesses stabilize operations, expand markets, and secure orders? Dong Yongchao, General Manager of Operations at Quan Mao Tong(Xuzhou) Digital Technology Co., Ltd., addressed this critical question in his keynote speech titled "Foreseeing and Breaking Through: New Opportunities for Electric Vehicles in the Digital Foreign Trade 2.0 Era." In his speech, Mr. Dong provided an in-depth analysis of the key driving factors behind the electric tricycle market and highlighted the three main digital marketing channels for foreign trade traffic: B2B platforms, search engines, and social media. He emphasized the rapid growth of electric vehicle exports and urged enterprises to capitalize on this opportunity by understanding the demands of target markets, continuously innovating technologies to strengthen core competitiveness, and strategically selecting marketing channels. To achieve precision, differentiation, and branding in marketing, businesses must refine their strategies and optimize their presence across these digital channels. By doing so, they can gain a competitive edge and accelerate their global expansion, ultimately achieving breakthrough success in the international market.

China's "Sanbengzi" (electric tricycles) have gained popularity on the streets of Europe and the U.S. However, for a smooth entry into these markets, it is essential to understand the certification systems and technical requirements for motorcycles in Western countries. To address this, the Fengxian Electric Tricycles Exhibition Organizing Committee invited Yin Jun, Deputy Director of the Certification Department at Tianjin Motorcycle Quality Supervision and Inspection Institute, and Senior Engineer Liang Fenghong to provide expert insights. During their session, the two specialists gave a detailed explanation of European regulations (EU certification) and EPA certification in the U.S., covering key concepts, certification procedures, and regulatory frameworks. Their insights aimed to help businesses better plan their export strategies, optimize product configurations, and expand their presence in international markets more effectively.

At the matchmaking event, Diao Guangtian, Head of Alibaba International Station Service Center, delivered a keynote speech titled "Going Global with Brands, Connecting the World—International Strategy for Electric Vehicle Products." His presentation analyzed the latest data on electric three-wheeler exports and provided insights into the global expansion of the industry. He highlighted that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) free trade zone is Xuzhou’s largest foreign trade market, with the city's total trade volume surpassing 120 billion yuan in 2022. Diao emphasized that an increasing number of enterprises are leveraging Alibaba’s platform for cross-border trade. With its comprehensive and structured international business ecosystem, Alibaba International Station helps simplify, streamline, and optimize foreign trade operations, making them more efficient, intelligent, and results-driven.

Logistics is a key link in the end-to-end process of cross-border trade. Wang Bin, Deputy General Manager of the Marketing Division at Xugang Group, provided insights into logistics solutions in international trade during his presentation. Xugang Group leverages its port hub and multimodal transportation advantages, combined with Fengxian’s policy-driven support, to integrate the port logistics chain with Fengxian’s industrial supply chain. The company is committed to reducing logistics costs for local enterprises, enhancing the competitiveness of Fengxian’s regional economy, and strengthening its real economy brand. Additionally, Xugang Group plays a crucial role in advancing Xuzhou’s transportation hub development and fostering the deep integration of regional logistics and industrial supply chains, providing strong momentum for sustainable economic growth.

How much potential does the Indonesian market truly have? Luo Yanli, General Manager of Shanhaitu (China) Marketing Center, presented a data-driven analysis to answer this question. Drawing on Indonesia’s large population, rapid GDP growth, underdeveloped transportation infrastructure, and the preference for motorcycles as the primary mode of transportation, as well as government policies promoting the transition from gasoline to electric vehicles, Luo provided a rational analysis from the policy, economic, and consumer perspectives. She predicted future growth trends for electric two-wheelers and electric three-wheelers in the country. Luo also shared insights into Indonesia’s electric vehicle import policies, preferential regulations, and investment processes. Overall, she emphasized that the Indonesian market offers both opportunities and risks. At present, increasing localization is the most efficient and safest strategy for investment and profitability in the market.

Although going global is becoming a trend, the key to establishing a foothold in foreign markets lies in connecting with consumers, understanding the local market, offering customized products and services, and implementing differentiated branding and marketing strategies. Abrahah Timi Alagao, General Manager of Naina New Energy Import Company in Ethiopia, shared valuable insights on the growing demand for electric vehicle products in Ethiopia.

"Going Global, Moving Forward with Feng!" The "Going Global" Foreign Trade Procurement Matchmaking Conference is an active initiative by the Fengxian Electric Tricycles Exhibition to listen to the voices of the industry. It also represents a concrete action from government departments, local business associations, industry leaders, and other guests in supporting the international expansion of Chinese electric vehicles. It is hoped that all guests and business friends participating in this matchmaking event will gain a deeper understanding of the electric vehicle export industry. This event aims to help Fengxian manufacturing reach global markets and take the next step in its international journey!