In the arid landscape of Shizuishan City of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, a Malaysian enterprise has worked hard to turn barren saline land into a thriving "green factory."
The region, characterized by flat, low-lying terrain and an evaporation rate that far exceeds precipitation, has long struggled with extensive salt-alkali soils.
In Xinghai Town, over 250 greenhouses dot the landscape, dedicated exclusively to the cultivation of spirulina. The health products enterprise, DXN, launched its branch here after discovering the area's climate is highly conducive to spirulina growth during their participation in the second China-Arab States Expo in 2015.
Initially met with the stark reality of white salt crystallization on the land, the company has since transformed the area into a thriving cultivation base for spirulina and lion's mane mushrooms, creating significant economic value. The venture has not only provided land rental income for local residents, but also generated over 300 job opportunities. Additionally, the Ningxia-based branch has actively sourced the agricultural products from the surrounding communities before selling their goods to all over the world.
Zhang Peixin, a Malaysian of Chinese descent, was assigned to establish the company in Ningxia in late 2015.
"When I first arrived in China, I was a little bit apprehensive due to my unfamiliarity with the area. I had no idea about it. However, the local government support has been unwavering, allowing us to develop smoothly over the past eight to nine years," she said.
At the beginning, the company's products were sold exclusively in Malaysia, but today they have reached 25 countries and regions worldwide.
"The changes go beyond mere numbers. Each country has different trade policies and regulatory standards. For instance, health food and beverage inspection criteria vary significantly across nations. The China-Arab States Expo, held in Ningxia, has provided us with a communication advantage for countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, helping us avoid many potential pitfalls," Zhang said.
Over her nearly nine years in China, Zhang has witnessed remarkable changes in the business landscape. Previously, many transactions required visits to multiple government departments, but now, most can be resolved efficiently through a one-stop service.
"For us expatriates, we need to renew our work permits. It used to be an annual task, but now it's streamlined to every three years, simplifying our processes significantly," she added.
Zhang also expressed confidence in the long-term prospects of her company in this region.
"Having been here for almost nine years, I hope to stay even longer. We plan to increase our investments in China, leveraging the country's connectivity to the Belt and Road Initiative partner countries expand our health products to more nations," she said.
Malaysian company cultivates "green factory" in China's saline soil
