A program on sustainable procurement is signed by the United Nations and international organizations in Qingpu district. [Photo/eastday.com]

A program for sustainable procurements by the United Nations and international organizations was launched in the Qingpu district of East China's Shanghai city on June 28.

As the first one-stop service and capacity building center established by the UN in China, the program is expected to benefit companies there – particularly in the Yangtze River Delta region – to participate in UN procurements directly, said Xu Jian, deputy Party secretary of Qingpu district.

The program is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises as well as women-owned businesses tackle challenges – such as the lack of capacity, information and support services – to participate in the procurement market for international organizations.

It also aims to create an environment of fair competition and lower the procurement costs of international organizations.

The project is also designed to provide more high-quality resources to the UN at the same time, Xu added.

Qingpu district is close to the city's Hongqiao International Airport and the venue for China International Import Expo, making it well situated for global trade deals.