A Pakistani exhibitor sorts his merchandises at the 9th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, Southwest China’s Yunnan Province, on June 19, 2025. Photo: VCG
Exhibitors from India, Nepal and other South Asian countries regions spoke highly of the immense opportunities presented by the Chinese market at the 9th China-South Asia Expo (CSAE), not only in terms of scale and potential, but also the international visibility and business connections enabled by participating in Chinese trade expos.
Shahzad Ahmad, owner of Prince Trading Company from India, who brought his handmade products, told the Global Times on the sidelines of the expo on Friday that the CSAE is a very good platform as it allows him to meet buyers, take orders, and grow his business. Ahmad also noted that his company has many Chinese customers.
He first participated in the CSAE in 2014, and decided to keep coming back every year. “I think the organizing committee is doing a great job. The expo allows South Asian countries to showcase their handicrafts and other goods, which is great for business. I plan to come again next year,” he said.
The 9th CSAE opened on Thursday in Kunming, capital of Southwest China’s Yunnan Province, drawing representatives from 73 countries, regions and international organizations, as well as more than 2,500 enterprises, Xinhua News Agency reported.
Friday marks the second day of the expo, with large crowds of visitors drawn to the two South Asia-themed pavilions, which are part of the event’s 16 themed exhibition halls. Booths run by South Asian exhibitors bustled with activity, as streams of Chinese visitors packed the aisles, showing even greater enthusiasm for shopping than the day before, the Global Times observed.
Beyond commerce, the Global Times also witnessed vibrant scenes of cultural exchange and people-to-people engagement, as activities such as Myanmar jade showcases, Malaysian dance performances, and interactive latte art sessions captivated visitors.
The expo was first held in Kunming in 2013, the same year China launched the Belt and Road Initiative. It has since facilitated over $110 billion in foreign trade transactions and served more than 20,000 enterprises, Xinhua reported.
Aside from frequent attendees such as Ahmad, exhibitors from Nepal, Bangladesh, and other countries and regions noted that this is not their first appearance at the event. These traders have brought a diverse range of products, such as hand-dyed clothing, sandalwood items and intricately carved furniture.
“This expo is a great opportunity to meet new friends and build good relationships. That helps with expanding our trade and business,” said Suresh Dhakal, the owner of Nepal-based exporter United Handicraft Industry. “So it’s not only about business. It’s also about making connections and building friendships. That’s why I keep coming back,” Dhakal told the Global Times on Friday. He has been operating in China for 13 years, and this is his ninth visit to the CSAE.
“We [China and Nepal] have a strong relationship. China’s market is large, and there are many opportunities. Many Chinese people travel to Nepal, and many Nepalese come to China to do business. It’s a win-win relationship,” Dhakal added.
In Hall 9, one of the South Asia pavilions at this year’s expo, handwoven textiles drew considerable attention from visitors, especially wool and cashmere products.
“Each year we come to Kunming to promote our products. We’re always pleasantly surprised by the response,” said Imran Rah, the owner of Asiya International Trading under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, adding that his company has been committed to the Chinese market for more than a decade.
He said the Chinese market is vast and full of potential, noting that consumers here love foreign products. “Even when the global economy faces challenges, people in China remain optimistic,” he said. “Our family has been in this business for over 100 years. It started with my grandfather. We love what we do, and we’ll keep going.”