SHANGHAI, Nov 11 (INP) : Pakistani merchants thrived in China’s market  exploring new opportunities to sell their products like jewelry, carpets, bronze sculptures, onyx artifacts, camel-skin lamps and Himalayan pink salt lamps.  According a Gwadar Pro's report, the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) held here from November 5 to 10 has emerged as a place of opportunities for businesses across the globe.  Pakistani jeweler Aqeel Chaudhry is one of the many international entrepreneurs who have benefited from this annual exhibition.  For the seventh consecutive year, Chaudhry has brought his family's jewelry brand to CIIE, making his company one of the 186 companies around the world that have participated in all the seven editions of the world's first national-level import-themed exhibition.

Over the past 6 editions, Chinese and international enterprises have recorded intended transactions totaling more than $420 billion, underscoring the expo’s effectiveness in facilitating international trade.  “CIIE is a global trade carnival, and it’s a fantastic platform for us to showcase our products to the world,” said Aqeel Chaudhry, who is busy engaging with visitors and potential customers throughout the exhibition.  This year, handicrafts made from camel bones debut in his booth, attracting a steady stream of customers.

Chaudhry observes that China’s competitive market favors quality products.  With 11 years of experience in the Chinese market, he has built a loyal customer base and is now looking to expand his presence in the country.  “We want to expand our presence in China, not just in Shanghai, but also in Beijing and other cities,” he added. “China’s market is open and inclusive, and it’s full of vitality.”  Capitalizing on the spillover effect of CIIE, Aqeel Chaudhry has opened his own stores in prime commercial districts in Shanghai and Shenyang. Currently, dozens of additional franchise stores are in the pipeline for more than ten cities. 

Furthermore, this year, he launched the Pakistan Pavilion at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, showcasing Pakistani handicrafts throughout the year. Habib, a seasoned Pakistani handicraft merchant with years of residence in Shanghai and a six-time CIIE exhibitor, also sees great potential in the Chinese market.  Along with his two brothers, Habib runs three handicraft stores in Shanghai that offer a wide selection of items, including carpets, bronze sculptures, onyx artifacts, camel-skin lamps and Himalayan pink salt lamps. 

Furthermore, they have ventured into a new arena by establishing the Pakistan Pavilion at the Global Commodity Trading Port, strategically situated opposite the CIIE venue.  “This platform serves as an exceptional venue for us to showcase our products to a broader audience throughout the year,” he said. After the six-day CIIE concludes each year, the trading port continues to operate as a “365-day CIIE”, providing a continuous showcase and sales outlet for China’s imported goods, fostering global trade and cultural exchange.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China