By Zhao Yu
Amid rising global economic uncertainties, Ningbo's import and export businesses are navigating increasingly complex markets. From October 22 to 23, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Ningbo Committee, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) China Office and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) China Office, led a delegation to the AIDEX 2025 exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland, setting up a dedicated China pavilion.
Chinese Manufacturers Highlight Humanitarian and Health Innovations
At noon on October 21, as soon as AIDEX's setup phase began, Li Jing, a salesperson with Ningbo Haitian Holdings Group Co., Ltd., and her team arrived at the venue with their products: emergency relief kits, rescue tents, and solar-powered lights. Once the items were checked for damage, the team quickly arranged them according to their eco-themed display plan. "The booth's appearance shapes buyers' first impressions. With the exhibition about to start, we only have a few hours to set up," said Li.
Haitian Holdings showcased seven categories of products for use in rescue and humanitarian aid operations, carefully selected from a catalog of more than 10,000 items. They are eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and backed by full after-sales support.
"This solar-powered light, for instance, has both a carry handle and hanging ring, a long-lasting battery, and is ideal for field and emergency use. We tailored our selection to UN procurement needs, making this product particularly suitable for relief operations," Li said.
Meanwhile, Wang Dong, co-founder and CEO of Zhejiang Jiami Biomedical Technology Co., Ltd., presented the company's flagship innovation: the HIV (1/2) Urine Self-Test Kit. A large poster highlighted the kit's key features—easy and discreet home use, plus accurate results in just 15 minutes.
"Field research in Africa showed that HIV screening is often limited by practical constraints. With the UN's goal to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, we expect strong interest from UN agencies in this product," Wang said.
Ningbo Manufacturing Shines at China Pavilion
AIDEX, recognized as the world's largest humanitarian aid and disaster relief trade show, serves as an important platform for international public procurement.
Fifteen Chinese companies — nine from Ningbo — showcased products ranging from emergency relief equipment and medical supplies to household appliances and engineering machinery, aiming to connect with major procurement partners and explore long-term partnership with UN agencies.
Among the Ningbo participants were: Haitian Holdings, Jiami Biomedical Technology, and Ningbo David Medical Device Co., Ltd., maker of the YP-3100 infant incubators that combine smart digital control with practical functionality.
Wang from Jiami shared encouraging news: within just three hours of the exhibition's opening, multiple buyers had made inquiries, their needs closely matching the company's offerings.
"The Chinese companies here are leaders in their fields, with both vision and a global outlook. They've brought high-quality products and solutions that meet international procurement standards, and they're eager to secure more UN procurement orders right here at the UN's doorsteps," said Ma Zhengzheng, Project Manager at the UNDP China Office.
Amid increasing global economic uncertainty, UN procurement — worth nearly $30 billion annually — provides exporters with key benefits such as tariff exemptions, reduced exchange-rate risk, and protection from trade barriers. The broader international public procurement market is estimated at close to $10 trillion, yet Chinese companies still hold a relatively small share.
To address these challenges, Ningbo has developed a comprehensive support system for UN procurement, hosting Asia's first International Public Sector (IPS) Conference, establishing a dedicated office to liaise with the UN Procurement Division, and launching related initiatives.
Busy Booths, Promising Leads
The China Pavilion, showcasing Ningbo's manufacturing strength, sits near the main exhibition hall, where its six-square-meter booths are buzzing with activity.
Reflecting on the first day's results, Wang held up a thick stack of business cards — from officials with health ministries in countries such as Kenya, procurement officers from UNDP, UNAIDS and UNFPA, as well as buyers from the UK and Switzerland, and experts in HIV prevention. "This exhibition was absolutely the right call for us. Several potential clients have already asked us to send samples once we return to China. I believe we're close to securing new orders," Wang said.
A buyer who stopped by to inspect the YP-3100 infant incubator on display, said, "We've worked with David Medical for more than 20 years. When we heard our longtime partners were exhibiting in Geneva, we came straight over to see them." Although the booth's compact six-square-meter space could fit only one incubator, a steady flow of both new and returning clients kept arriving throughout the day.
"AIDEX feels much more professional than regular trade shows — the questions and requests we've received are very specific," said Liu Ping, Sales Director at David Medical.
"Even though it's our first time here, more than half the contacts we made are worth following up on," added Li of Haitian. "It's been a highly efficient experience and has greatly strengthened our confidence in securing both direct and indirect UN procurement orders."