UN procurement event brings global buyers to Ningbo

Enterprises engage in face-to-face procurement matchmaking with UN agency officials. [Photo provided to Ningbo Daily]

Ningbo, Zhejiang province, is emerging as a key player in connecting Chinese manufacturers with the global procurement system of the United Nations.

On May 28, the 2025 UN Procurement Engagement Workshop was held in Ningbo, bringing procurement officials from the UN Secretariat, UNOPS, UNICEF, and UNHCR face-to-face with dozens of local enterprises. Building on the foundation laid by last year's introductory seminar, this year's event focused on deeper engagement and more targeted exchanges.

UN agencies shared over 100 products and solutions which are in high demand, particularly in areas such as clean energy, wastewater treatment, solar power and storage, new energy vehicles, and infrastructure. Ningbo companies came well-prepared. Solar industry leaders like Ulica Solar and Guangnian Songsheng Energy Group were joined by platform firms such as Haitian Group and service providers like China-Base Logistics.

Negotiation tables quickly filled as discussions got underway.

"I spent most of the 90 minutes just waiting in line — but it was worth it," said Ma Zhaoshuang, global sales director of Ulica Solar, "All four agencies we spoke with were very interested in our products."

As a seasoned international marketer who attends up to 20 expos annually, Ma sees UN procurement as a crucial route to reach emerging markets. His company recently delivered a $1 million solar project in Afghanistan via a distributor, marking their first indirect entry into the UN procurement network.

Zhou Songcheng, chairman of Guangnian Songsheng, emphasized the potential for Ningbo-made products in global development efforts.

"UN officials were full of praise for our solutions," he said, adding that participating in procurement can help elevate both product quality and management systems while aligning with UN sustainability goals.

However, barriers remain for newcomers.

"Many of our clients face difficulties meeting the experience thresholds required in UN tenders," said An Na, a manager at Haitian.

Procurement officials advised companies to diversify their bids across agencies and sectors, stay patient, and gain experience through repeated participation.

As Ningbo continues to enhance its support infrastructure and build a database of UN-ready enterprises, the city is positioning itself as a launchpad for Chinese companies aiming to access the global public procurement market.