by Wang Kai

 

 

XI’AN, Sept. 24 (China Economic Net) - The ongoing 8th Silk Road International Exposition in Xi’an, China has witnessed record-number participation from the international community, demonstrating the magnetism of China's opportunities. Country- and sector-specific pavilions and booths have been set up by 73 international business associations and enterprises from 41 countries on five continents as well as overseas Chinese businessmen, registering new highs in the number of participating countries and the variety of products on display.

 

In the Italian pavilion, strings of visitors feast on the fresh-sweet flavor of its centuries-old gelato. The representative of Italy-based Camuflor S.R.L Company in China Mr. Dong told CEN reporter that around 6000 gelatos of over 30 flavors were sold per day at the exposition. “Economic recovery after the pandemic has injected strong impetus to the sales of these exotic products, the popularity of which among Chinese consumers is also credited to the rising living standard of Chinese people,” he said.

 

Representative of Australian premium honey brand Karibee Mr. Zhang shared his perspective. “Amid global economic challenges, the vast Chinese market provides a haven for many international brands like us,” he told CEN reporter.

 

 

Apart from expanding market opportunities, international enterprises also come for investment and joint ventures.

 

At the Pavilion of Pakistan, the guest country of honor in this year’s expo, Pakistani Minister of Petroleum, along with leading petroleum companies in this brother country of China, introduced investment opportunities in Pakistan, seeking partnership. 

 

At a meeting in junction with the Exposition, Pakistan's Oil and Gas Development Company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese company CCDC for exploration of shale and tight gas potential in Pakistan.

 

 

It is learned that a total of 62 international exhibitors from 28 countries and international organizations, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Pakistan, Russia, and South Korea, went to the sector-specific exhibition areas in batches in search of opportunities of cooperation. 

 

Navruz Zaripov, Head of Investment and Trade for the Government of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, emphasized that China's industrial upgrades serve as a key attraction for international businesses.

 

“From 3D printing to vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel engines, from machines for AI medical treatment to clean coal technologies… here I saw various exhibits of advanced manufacturing products and green, smart transportation equipment. Now with the China-Europe Railway Express, we can buy the products made in China such as PV and auto parts, and export our agricultural products to China as well,” he said. 

 

During the Exposition period, a new trans-Caspian route of the China-Europe Railway Express was launched, connecting Xi’an with countries around the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea, opening new avenues for regional countries to share the dividend of China’s development.