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Sophie Muller delivers a speech during the UN Sustainable Procurement Promotion Conference in Jiaxing, Zhejiang. [Photo/Tide News]

The UN Sustainable Procurement Promotion Conference in Jiaxing, Zhejiang opened on July 29, linking United Nations Sustainable Procurement with Zhejiang-based manufacturers.

Nearly 200 UN representatives, procurement specialists, and company delegates explored ways to integrate local enterprises into global public procurement channels.

UN Sustainable Procurement is one of the world's largest public procurement systems, offering advantages such as tax exemptions, low payment risk, and stable demand. For Zhejiang, a province known for its robust private sector and export-oriented industries, this model presents new opportunities. The province's strengths in digital economy, green energy, and low-carbon technology align closely with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

The event emphasized the need for Zhejiang companies to strengthen their international certifications and bidding capabilities. Establishing partnerships with the UN procurement system could enable them to increase their share of direct purchases and become more deeply embedded in global supply chains.

A cooperation agreement was signed between the China Chamber of International Commerce Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce and the International Public Procurement & Sustainable Development Service Center (Shanghai) to improve information sharing and operational coordination. The partnership aims to assist local businesses in overcoming challenges such as limited access to procurement information, lack of service support, and insufficient bidding experience.

Sophie Muller said she hopes that working with Zhejiang manufacturers will help build more resilient and inclusive global supply chains.