A cross-border commodity trading center opened in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Nov. 19, 2024, becoming the first of its kind in the region. (Photo/China News Service)

A cross-border commodity trading center opened in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on Tuesday, becoming the first of its kind in the region.

It is the largest cross-border trading center in the region and currently the most concentrated distribution hub for imported commodities. This marks a significant step forward for Xizang in cross-border trade and product distribution.

The center spans 7,000 square meters with products mainly from Europe, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, the UK, France, Southeast Asia and some other regions. Products feature 6,000 varieties in 12 categories, including premium beauty products, skincare, perfumes, high-end imported beverages, imported food and drinks, and snacks. More than 80 percent of all goods are imported.

It has several distinctive features, said Jia Jingpeng, manager of the trading center. Firstly, the center focuses on imports as its core products, effectively meeting local demand for high-quality imported items. Secondly, it combines exhibition and sales, wholesale and retail, and store and warehouse capabilities, providing consumers a more convenient and diverse shopping experience, and significantly enhancing the efficiency of product distribution.

The trading center provides consumers more shopping options and serves as an important platform for the development of cross-border trade in the region, he added.