by Meng Fanrong

KUNMING, Jun 18 (China Economic Net) - Pakistan will maintain a strong presence at the 9th China-South Asia Exposition and the 29th China Kunming Import and Export Fair from June 19 to 24, building on its success as one of the honored countries with a national pavilion last year, Pakistani Consul General in Chengdu, Tanvir Ahmad Bhatti, told China Economic Net (CEN) in a recent internview.

"For the past several years, Pakistan has been fortunate enough to have one of the largest numbers of booths of any country at the Expo," the Consul General told CEN. This year's event will feature about 100 Pakistani companies and over 180 business representatives showcasing products including classical wooden furniture, gemstones, brass fixtures, handmade carpets, and traditional clothing.

Mr Tanvir Ahmad Bhatti, Pakistani Consul General in Chengdu, in an interview with CEN

"We will be showcasing some of the best products Pakistan has to offer — Pakistani high-quality craftsmanship, design, and finesse," the Consul General said. He noted that sales per booth typically reach "tens of thousands of RMB" during the event.

The expo underscores the growing significance of China-South Asia trade, which reached nearly $200 billion in 2024, double the figure from a decade ago.

"The China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA), coupled with the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), allows Pakistan to further expand its export base," the diplomat said, adding that recent phytosanitary protocols have opened new markets for products such as cherries, boiled beef, and dairy.

This year's expo will highlight industries with strong trade potential, including green energy, modern agriculture, healthcare, and cultural tourism.

"We are grateful to the Chinese authorities for continuously giving us such a large platform to showcase our products," Bhatti said.

Since its inception in 2013, the China-South Asia Expo has attracted more than 30,000 exhibitors, with transactions exceeding 3 trillion yuan ($413.4 billion), according to organizers. This year, the expo has set up two South Asia halls with nearly 800 stalls.