Breaking Barriers: How Ling Liu Took Her Business Global with UN Sustainable Procurement Program

Raised in Sonid Right Banner, she grew up surrounded by vast landscapes and a close-knit community that shaped her values of perseverance, selflessness, and responsibility. These ideals guided her as she built Shanghai Huanhai Industrial Co., Ltd., a company specializing in sustainable, culturally inspired products. 

For years, her success remained within China. She never expected her business to compete on a global scale—until the UN Sustainable Procurement Program, a One UN initiative co-led by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and key partners, opened the door to international markets.

From Local Success to Global Competitor

“At first, I doubted we had what it took to compete internationally,” Liu admits. “But through workshops and matchmaking events, I saw how global demand aligned with what we were already doing.”

The program provided training on international procurement, compliance requirements, and English-language proposals. It also connected Huanhai Industrial with real business opportunities through a curated supplier list. Soon, Liu and her team found themselves bidding for contracts with global organizations.

Then came the breakthrough, Huanhai Industrial won a UNICEF contract. “That was our first international bid,” Liu recalls. “It proved we could thrive beyond China.”

Navigating the Maze: Simplifying A Complex System, Building Credibility

International procurement can be daunting, especially for first-time bidders. Terms like compliance certifications and Incoterms were initially intimidating for Liu and her team. But the program’s advisors demystified the process, offering step-by-step guidance on paperwork and contract requirements.

“The program turned a maze into a manageable process,” Liu explains. “The direct screening system was a gamechanger, rather than sifting through endless tenders, we were matched with relevant opportunities. Without that targeted approach, we might never have taken the first step.”

Through initiatives like Delivering Responsibility in Vendor Engagement (DRiVE), UNOPS recognizes the holistic benefits of inclusive procurement. DRiVE, a UNOPS-developed supplier sustainability program, helps suppliers improve their sustainability practices, ensuring that businesses operate responsibly and in accordance with high standards of integrity. In China, the DRiVE initiative began with a pilot involving 13 local suppliers, focusing on data collection, assessment, inspection and corrective action planning. This pilot provided practical insights into sustainable procurement and inclusive supply chains, laying the foundation for aligning with international sustainability standards.

By strengthening ethical supply chains, promoting environmental protection, and advancing equal opportunity, DRiVE enhances supplier credibility—an essential factor in building trust with international buyers.

Breaking Barriers for Women Entrepreneurs

Winning the UN contract changed everything. “That credibility opened doors with European buyers who now see us as a trusted partner,” Liu says. “The UN stamp signals quality and ethics, which resonates globally. We’re no longer just a local brand—we’re a global contender.”

Now, Liu is focused on expanding Huanhai Industrial’s global footprint, leveraging international logistics hubs, and mentoring other women entrepreneurs looking to enter the global market.

Women entrepreneurs like Liu play a critical role in reducing inequality and driving economic growth. Increasing opportunities for women-led businesses in global procurement creates jobs, fosters innovation, and leads to more inclusive economies. Yet, many female entrepreneurs still face barriers in accessing markets and resources.

UNOPS inclusive procurement programmes help break these barriers by equipping women-led businesses with the tools, training, and credibility needed to compete globally. With more women entering international supply chains, industries become more diverse, resilient, and innovative.

“Every time we share our story, we inspire others to take the leap,” she says. “It’s about paving the way for the next generation.”

A Lesson in Adaptability

For Liu, the biggest takeaway has been the power of adaptability. “The program taught me that success in international procurement isn’t about being ‘high-end’—it’s about being ‘hard as iron.’ Our backpacks weren’t flashy, but they met UN durability standards. That’s what matters.”

With over 70% of its materials sourced from renewable resources and a strong commitment to sustainable production, Huanhai Industrial is now aligned with ten of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The company’s 1,500 eco-friendly products reach 375 counties across China, setting an example for businesses looking to blend sustainability with international trade.

As Liu continues to grow her business and mentor future leaders, her journey serves as a powerful reminder: with the right support, women entrepreneurs can not only break barriers but redefine what’s possible on the global stage.

About the UN Sustainable Procurement Program

UNOPS, in collaboration with UNDP, has been instrumental in increasing the engagement of Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) and women-owned businesses in UN procurement in China, reflecting a One UN approach with joint efforts from other UN Agencies. This collaborative UN Sustainable Procurement Program has, to date, published over 55,000 procurement notices translated into Chinese, benefiting more than 2,500 enterprises and facilitating approximately 1,500 procurement participations. The program has also helped over 800 Chinese enterprises register on the UN Global Marketplace (UNGM), making up nearly 8% of all registered suppliers from China.

Beyond supplier support, the program actively contributes to international UN procurement events, high-level visits, and knowledge-sharing sessions with UN procurement practitioners. Last November, the 2024 United Nations International Procurement Seminar (IPS) successfully concluded in Ningbo, China. The seminar marked the first-ever UN International Procurement Seminar in Asia. The two-day flagship event brought together over 50 senior procurement officers from 16 UN agencies and more than 200 representatives of domestic and international suppliers.

By bridging the gap between SMEs and global procurement opportunities, the program is paving the way for more businesses, especially women-led enterprises, to thrive in international markets.

Written By:

Luh Danistri Widyaningrum

Communications Intern

UNOPS East Asia and Pacific

luhdanistriw@unops.org