OTHERS Zhejiang Botuolini Machinery Co.,Ltd , https://www.chinaplungerpump.com
In the article, it is highlighted that Dongguan has significantly leveraged its professional markets to drive industrial development and economic growth. According to Luo Baihui, head of the International Mould and Metals and Plastics Industry Suppliers Association, by the end of April 2008, the city had already established 151 specialized markets, with 11 more under construction. These markets spanned a wide range of industries, including clothing, IT, textiles, agriculture, hardware, machinery molds, food, furniture, and over 20 other sectors. The expansion of these markets played a key role in boosting the city's retail sales, which saw a 14.7% year-on-year increase in 2009, becoming a major contributor to GDP growth. The tertiary sector also experienced a notable rise, increasing by 5.6 percentage points compared to the previous year, marking a historic shift where its total scale surpassed that of the secondary industry.
Recognizing the critical role of professional markets in industrial upgrading, Dongguan has made it a requirement for industrial clusters to include an integrated market, thus forming a complete industrial chain. In 2009, the city started exploring the "factory outlet center" model, aiming to support professional markets through financial investment. This initiative allowed local companies to explore new markets at lower costs and begin their journey toward brand marketing. To date, four direct sales centers have been established in Dongguan.
The impact of this strategy became evident during the 2009 global financial crisis. While Chang’an, a major manufacturing hub, suffered a GDP growth of only 3.1%, significantly below the city average, the nearby town of Humen managed to maintain a much stronger performance with a 13.8% growth rate. This contrast was largely due to Chang’an’s heavy reliance on OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) exports, lacking a mature commercial environment to support high-value production. In contrast, Humen had long focused on domestic sales and brand management, supported by well-established trade hubs like Fumin Fashion City, which helped it weather the crisis better.
Faced with this stark difference, Chang’an was determined to transform its economy. On April 26, 2009, the township launched the "Zhongyuan City Jewelry Trading Center," a large-scale project with a total investment of 1.6 billion yuan and a planned area of 560,000 square meters, featuring over 13,000 shops. The goal was to shift from an export-oriented model to one that built strong sales channels and supported brand development. Currently, more than 1,300 foreign-funded enterprises operate in Chang’an, with over 400 involved in metal mold production. Among the more than 1,000 private companies, over 600 focus on producing and selling these products, generating an annual output value of 15 billion yuan. This transformation marks a significant step toward industrial upgrading and sustainable growth.