Zhumadian, an inland city in Henan, has rapidly risen as a major regional economic hub thanks to the China Agricultural Products Processing Investment and Trade Fair (APF). The 27th APF attracted companies from more than 50 countries, showcasing global products and advanced AI-powered digital exhibition tools. Over 27 years, the expo has evolved from a small street-market event into China’s only 5A-level agricultural processing fair, driving the growth of a 32,000 m² exhibition and the creation of the country’s first International Agricultural Products Processing Industrial Park. Leading enterprises such as Wudeli Flour, Jinmailang, and Sinian Foods have settled in the city, pushing agricultural processing output from RMB 84.1 billion to RMB 238 billion.

The APF has also promoted cross-industry integration, linking agricultural inputs with biopharmaceutical production and supporting Zhumadian’s vision of building the “China Medicine Valley.” At the same time, the expo has expanded the city’s global reach, boosting exports, attracting investment, and embedding Zhumadian in Belt and Road cooperation. The APF has become a catalyst for industrial upgrading, internationalization, and high-quality development.