Core Insights - The article highlights the innovative financing solutions provided by Zheshang Bank's Jining branch to support the garlic industry in Jinxing County, addressing the financing challenges faced by small and medium-sized garlic merchants [1][4][6]. Industry Overview - Jinxing County, known as the "Garlic Capital," accounts for over 70% of China's garlic trading volume and has an annual industry output value of 68.8 billion yuan, with a public brand value exceeding 21.8 billion yuan [2]. - The garlic industry has developed a complete supply chain from planting to processing, but financing bottlenecks hinder the full release of market potential [2][4]. Financing Challenges - Small and medium garlic merchants face three main issues: insufficient collateral, lack of formal financial management, and low financing efficiency due to cumbersome traditional loan approval processes [2][3]. - Many merchants struggle with capital shortages during peak purchasing seasons, often missing favorable market conditions due to slow loan approvals [3][6]. Innovative Solutions - Zheshang Bank has introduced a "garlic warehouse receipt pledge financing" system, allowing merchants to use stored garlic as collateral for loans, thus transforming static inventory into liquid financial capital [4][5]. - The bank collaborates with local government, leading agricultural enterprises, and third-party storage institutions to create a comprehensive financial service system that includes real-time monitoring and risk management [5][6]. Impact and Results - The garlic warehouse receipt pledge financing has already benefited over 50 core storage and processing enterprises in Jinxing County, with total loans exceeding 360 million yuan, effectively activating hundreds of thousands of tons of garlic inventory [6]. - The bank has also launched a digital financial product, "Shuyidai," to provide flexible financing support to small merchants, further reducing their financing costs and time [6][7]. Future Prospects - Zheshang Bank aims to replicate the successful "garlic model" in other local industries, enhancing financial product innovation and collaboration with government and industry associations to accelerate financial empowerment of local economies [7].