By Mariam Raheem

 

NANJING, Jan. 15 (Gwadar Pro)- As the Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, approaches, the festive atmosphere is palpable in cities across the country, with vibrant celebrations and bustling markets bringing joy and hope to hundreds of millions of people. Among the many highlights of this year’s Spring Festival celebrations, the 24th Nanjing (China) Spring Festival Food & Commodities Fair, being held from January 8 to 25, is emerging as a platform for cultural exchange and commercial cooperation, attracting merchants from Pakistan and beyond.

 

 

4 Pakistani merchants, specializing in fine handicrafts such as onyx artworks, rosewood furniture and furry products including coats, shawls and hats, participated in the fair. Their presence adds an international flavor to the event, which also features more than a thousand exhibitors showcasing famous, special, high-quality and innovative food products, green foods and grain and oil products from across China.

 

 

"It’s truly wonderful to be amidst such a diverse crowd celebrating their traditions and discovering new opportunities," remarked Waseem Zuberi, a Pakistani merchant who is exhibiting for his fourth time. "The ambiance is electric, with a notable foot traffic this year, accompanied by a heightened fervor for shopping."

 

 

Ahsan Subhani, another Pakistani merchant, noted the growing popularity of Pakistani handicrafts among Chinese consumers, both offline and online. "Cities like Kunming and Hohhot are also hosting Spring Festival fairs, and by participating in these events, we’re able to promote our products to a wider audience," he said. "The offline experience and customer accumulation have also helped us gain a larger share of the online market. Chinese customers appreciate the craftsmanship and traditional values embedded in our work, and they’re increasingly choosing Pakistani products for their quality and affordability."

 

Meanwhile, the Nanjing Hexi New Year market, held concurrently from Jan 9 to 17, also attracted handicraft merchants from Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan and India. With its lively atmosphere and diverse offerings, the market provides a unique platform for cultural exchanges and business opportunities.