B&RETTC partners with intl. agencies to launch ecoTrust cooperation initiative

On July 15, the Belt and Road Environmental Technology Exchange and Transfer Center (Shenzhen) (B&RETTC), in collaboration with Intertek Government and Trade Services (Intertek GTS), hosted the "Sustainable Trade, Digital Trust, and Green Market Access in Emerging Markets" event in Shenzhen.

The event featured a comprehensive introduction to the internationally oriented "ecoTrust Program" and marked the official release of the ecoTrust cooperation initiative.

Representatives from all participating organizations gathered on stage for a group photo. Courtesy of the organizer

Key attendees included Jérémy Gaspard, vice president of Intertek GTS, and Alice Cheung, regional commercial director Asia of Intertek GTS; Ari Reeves, senior director of CLASP, and Fred Sherman, chief operating and financial officer of CLASP; Josie Zhao, head of commercial of Jumia Global, a leading African e-commerce platform; along with representatives from Shenzhen government departments, including the Shenzhen Development and Reform Commission and the Ecology and Environment Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, as well as representatives of enterprises and companies from Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Suzhou, Huizhou, Zhongshan, and other cities.

During the event, the B&RETTC and Intertek GTS introduced the ecoTrust Program. Initiated by the B&RETTC, this market-driven program aims to establish a single unified label (ecoTrust), a comprehensive management system, a Global Partner Network (ecoTrust GPN), plus multiple application scenarios.

By integrating international industrial resources, the program seeks to build a unified green and low-carbon labeling system tailored for international markets, facilitating the import and export of high-quality, trustworthy green and low-carbon products.

As the program's inaugural strategic partner, Intertek GTS will draw on its specialized experience and worldwide service network to offer technical support, while collaborating to drive the rollout and adoption of the ecoTrust Program. Meanwhile, Jumia will serve as a green e-commerce scenario for the program, developing a "Silk Road E-commerce" pilot project based on the ecoTrust Program.

Focusing on the core theme of "Eco-friendly + Trust," participating guests engaged in-depth discussions regarding Chinese products tapping into emerging markets like Africa. They explored various implementation pathways, including standards alignment, market access, cross-border e-commerce, and digital enablement, injecting industrial momentum into the localized application of the ecoTrust Program in emerging markets. 

Li Xia, recognized as a Social Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos, shared hands-on experience from her work on off-grid photovoltaic products in the African market, and introduced approaches to integrating Chinese product strengths—including reliable quality, locally adaptive design, and recyclability—so as to contribute to Africa's market development in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way.

To conclude the event, the B&RETTC and Intertek GTS launched the ecoTrust cooperation initiative to global partners. The initiative advocates for green lifestyles and production methods, urges the facilitation of green trade, and aims to build a multi-tiered international cooperation network. By advancing standards synergy, regulatory alignment, and mutual label recognition, the initiative strives to co-create an open, inclusive, and universally beneficial future visionized by ecoTrust Program.

A series of cooperation agreements were signed during the event:The B&RETTC signed MOUs with Intertek GTS and Jumia respectively. Intertek GTS signed MOUs with CLASP and Shenzhen Joint Technology Co., Ltd. (Jointech).

The successful conclusion of this event marks a major step forward, placing the internationally oriented ecoTrust Program on a fast track for promotion and implementation. Moving forward, all collaborating parties will actively help green and low-carbon products integrate into global supply chains in a cost-effective, compliant, and feasible manner. This effort is aimed at enhancing the green premium and competitiveness of businesses, ultimately driving the high-quality development of green trade under the Belt and Road Initiative.