University of Industrial of Qilu Visit My Company Office and Talk About Further Cooperation on Exporting
We were honored to host a delegation from the Qilu University of Technology at our company headquarters in Jinan.
On January 10, 2026, HOWO Special Truck Sales had the distinct honor of hosting a distinguished delegation from the Qilu University of Technology (formerly Shandong Institute of Light Industry) at our corporate headquarters in Jinan. The visit marked the beginning of what both parties expect to be a productive and mutually beneficial academic-industry partnership.
The delegation was led by Professor Zhang Wei, Dean of the School of Business and Foreign Trade, and included faculty members from the International Trade Department, Logistics Management Institute, and Mechanical Engineering Faculty. The visit focused on exploring collaborative opportunities that leverage the university's academic strengths and our extensive industry experience in heavy equipment export.
Factory Tour and Technical Demonstrations
The day began with a comprehensive tour of our HOWO truck production facility, where the university delegation observed the complete manufacturing process from raw material processing to final vehicle testing. Our production director provided detailed explanations of quality control systems, lean manufacturing principles, and the integration of new robotic technologies in our recently upgraded workshop.
The delegation was particularly impressed by our end-of-line testing procedures, where every truck undergoes a rigorous 128-point inspection and 50-kilometer road test. Professor Zhang commented that seeing these quality standards firsthand would provide valuable real-world context for their students studying international quality management systems.
Discussion on Export Market Trends
Following the factory tour, both parties engaged in a detailed discussion on current trends and future opportunities in the heavy equipment export market. Our General Manager Ella Wang presented comprehensive market analysis covering demand patterns in Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
The university team shared their latest research on international trade facilitation, cross-border logistics optimization, and emerging digital marketing strategies for B2B export businesses. These insights proved highly valuable for our ongoing market expansion efforts, particularly in developing e-commerce channels and digital customer engagement strategies.
Proposed Cooperation Framework
The discussions resulted in a preliminary cooperation framework covering several key areas:
First, the establishment of a joint Internship Program that will provide university students with hands-on experience in our export operations, logistics coordination, and international customer service departments. This program is expected to launch in the autumn semester of 2026.
Second, collaborative research projects focusing on export market analysis for heavy-duty trucks in Belt and Road Initiative countries. The university will contribute academic research methodology and data analysis capabilities, while we provide industry data and practical market insights.
Third, joint development of training programs for international trade professionals, combining theoretical knowledge with practical case studies from our 15+ years of export experience. These programs will be offered to both university students and industry professionals.
Fourth, the creation of a shared International Trade Research Laboratory that will serve as a platform for academic research, industry consulting, and talent development in the field of heavy equipment export.
Impact on Future Development
This partnership with Qilu University of Technology represents a significant milestone in our company's commitment to professional development and industry advancement. By combining academic rigor with practical industry experience, we aim to develop innovative approaches to international trade that will benefit both our business and the broader export community.
The collaboration is expected to enhance our recruitment pipeline by providing early access to top graduates in international trade and logistics management. It will also strengthen our research and analysis capabilities, enabling more sophisticated market intelligence and strategic planning.
Looking Ahead
Both parties have agreed to formalize the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding to be signed in the coming weeks. The first joint initiative, a comprehensive market research project on African heavy equipment demand patterns, is scheduled to commence in February 2026.
We look forward to sharing the outcomes of this exciting collaboration and welcome other academic institutions interested in similar partnerships to contact us.