Interview with Tang Min, Counsellor of the State Council and Vice Chairman of YouChange China Social Entrepreneur Foundation

In the past few years, He’nan was constantly innovating its cross-border e-commerce model, leading the country’s pilot cities in terms of size and sophistication; but its competitiveness as an early starter is weakening as more places join the cross-border e-commerce experimental zones. What can He’nan do to maintain its leading position among the central provinces?

“In March this year, we organized an investigation trip to Zhengzhou for some experts to try to find solutions,” Tang Min, Counsellor of the State Council and Vice Chairman of YouChange China Social Entrepreneur Foundation, said this at the fifth Global Cross-border E-commerce Conference on 10 May.

According to Tang, to stand out in the tough competition for cross-border e-commerce resources as more landlocked provinces join the game, quality growth in this area can be achieved by focusing on four aspects:

First, develop industrial bases unique to He’nan. He’nan may build industry clusters by analyzing its strengths in its industrial belt and exports to establish a new sales model of “regional industrial belt+cross-border e-commerce”.

Second, enhance internal links. The various comprehensive cross-border e-commerce experimental zones in the province should build stronger links and partnerships with one another to form a development web.

Third, provide better financial services. New financial solutions should be provided to address the financing difficulties of companies dealing in foreign trade. Financial services should be provided across the supply chain by integrating the resources of banks and insurance companies.

Fourth, human resources development. It is urgent that professionals for cross-border e-commerce are trained at different levels of the education system and in specialized academies to address the big gap of human resources which is preventing the sector from growing more sophisticated.

“We are hoping to establish an e-commerce college in He’nan. This will be done in two steps. First, a research institute will be established. As we gain more experience, we can open the college.”