Is it really feasible to handle import and export in villages?

Amid the wave of economic globalization, import and export activities are no longer confined to bustling cities. In recent years, a new trend has quietly emerged—handling import and export in villages. This phenomenon is like a stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples that have sparked widespread attention and reflection.

With the advancement of rural revitalization strategies, infrastructure in rural areas has been continuously improved, transportation has become more convenient, and internet coverage has been largely achieved. These changes provide a solid foundation for handling import and export in villages. Take Zhongshitong as an example. They keenly recognized the abundant resources of unique local products and the increasingly improved logistics and communication conditions in rural areas, deciding to decentralize some of their import and export operations to villages.

For many villages, they possess unique agricultural products, handicrafts, and other goods that may have competitive potential in international markets. For instance, some traditional handwoven crafts are highly favored by foreign consumers for their exquisite craftsmanship. In the past, these products were only sold locally due to the lack of effective export channels, and their value was not fully realized. Now, handling import and export in villages has opened the door to the world for these products.

However, handling import and export in villages is not without challenges. The first issue is the lack of professionals. Import and export operations involve expertise in international trade rules, customs clearance, foreign languages, and more. In rural areas, it is difficult to find professionals proficient in these areas. Mr. Zhang, the head of Zhongshitong’s operations in a village, faces the dilemma of having no qualified personnel. While the local villagers are enthusiastic, most know nothing about import and export, requiring significant time and effort for training.

Another challenge is logistics. Although rural transportation has improved, compared to cities, the timeliness and reliability of logistics still lag. Some fresh agricultural products have strict requirements for transportation time and conditions. If delivery is not timely or accurate, the products may spoil, leading to significant losses. Ms. Li, who is responsible for exporting agricultural products from the village, often worries about delays in logistics.

To address the shortage of professionals, Zhongshitong adopted a combination of online and offline training methods. On one hand, they invited experts to record online courses for villagers to study at any time. On the other hand, they organized regular offline training sessions and hands-on exercises to help villagers grasp the essentials of the business more intuitively. After some time, the village gradually developed a group of key personnel familiar with import and export procedures.

To tackle logistics issues, Zhongshitong partnered with multiple logistics companies to optimize delivery routes and establish cold chain logistics facilities. At the same time, they used big data technology to monitor and dispatch logistics information in real-time, ensuring goods could be delivered to their destinations promptly and safely.

Handling import and export in villages not only injects new vitality into rural economic development but also expands new opportunities for international trade. By overcoming numerous challenges, unique products from rural areas can reach the global market, increasing farmers’ incomes and optimizing the industrial structure of villages. We hope more companies will follow Zhongshitong’s example and actively explore the model of village import and export, allowing more rural areas to benefit from economic globalization. At the same time, we also hope relevant authorities will introduce more supportive policies to jointly promote the healthy development of this emerging business. Let us work together to contribute to the bright future of rural areas and the prosperity of international trade.