The State Council, China's Cabinet, approved the establishment of a pilot zone for Silk Road e-commerce in East China's Shanghai in October last year, in a bid to promote openness in the e-commerce sector.

As a result, notable progress has been made over the past year – especially with the opening of the Argentina Imported Commodity Bonded Exhibition and Trade Center in the Lin-gang Special Area in the city.

The center is seen as being a key gateway for Argentinian companies entering the Chinese market, as well as for Chinese businesses looking to invest in Argentina.

It opened on May 27 and was set up with support from the Argentina Investment and Trade Promotion Bureau, the Argentine embassy in China, and the Argentine Consulate General in Shanghai.

The center aims to establish a new model for bonded display trading that combines product displays, brand promotions, distribution, e-commerce sales, and trade logistics. Here are some key features of the initiative:

1. Expanded bonded functions: A designated area outside the traditional Yangshan Special Comprehensive Bonded Zone serves as a bonded display trading zone, improving operational capacity.

2. Differentiated regulation: Goods inside and outside the display area are subject to different regulations to ensure that products that are on display retain their bonded status.

3. Information monitoring system: Modern technologies, like electronic cabinets and smart video surveillance, are used to track products throughout their display period.

Overall, the initiative has already delivered practical results:

1. Stronger bilateral trade: The Lin-gang Special Area is using its open policies to promote trade and technological cooperation between China and Argentina. The center is perceived to be a driving force for increasing bilateral investment.

2. Satisfying consumer demand: Argentine companies can export their special products, such as beef, to China. There, they can undergo bonded processing before being offered for sale through physical displays and online platforms.