LONGFOR GROUP(HK:00960) Bei Ke Cai Jing·2025-11-12 03:16Core Viewpoint - The partnership between Longfor Commercial and Beijing Aozhong Xingye aims to revitalize the Beijing World Trade Center (WTC) project, positioning it as a commercial aesthetic landmark in Beijing's CBD, marking Longfor's 10th project in the city [1][4]. Group 1: Historical Context and Challenges - The WTC was once a prominent commercial landmark in Beijing, known for its massive electronic canopy, which cost 250 million yuan and is the largest in Asia [2]. - The WTC gained fame during the 2008 Beijing Olympics but has since struggled with declining foot traffic and brand appeal due to the emergence of new commercial entities [2][3]. - The overall retail real estate market in Beijing is under pressure, with a reported 3.5% decline in effective rents and a 7.1% vacancy rate in the city center as of Q3 2025 [3]. Group 2: Current Developments - Longfor Commercial's entry into the WTC project is part of its strategy to expand its presence in Beijing, now operating 10 commercial projects in the city [5]. - The collaboration aims to leverage the WTC's historical significance while addressing its operational challenges, focusing on creating a new identity as a commercial aesthetic landmark [4][6]. - The success of this partnership will depend on Longfor's ability to innovate and attract foot traffic, as traditional shopping centers face the need for systemic innovation beyond mere tenant acquisition [6].