Belt and Road cultural products shine at int'l fair

Visitors buy products at a booth from Nepal during the 19th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 9, 2023. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Persian carpets from Iran, coffee from Indonesia, jade from Pakistan ... various dazzling cultural products from countries along the Belt and Road (B&R) wowed the audience at the recently concluded China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF).

Launched in 2004 in the tech hub of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, the event has long been considered an important platform for fostering the development and global engagement of China's cultural industries.

This year's fair attracted more than 300 exhibitors from 50 countries and regions to participate in offline and online activities. Numerous B&R cultural products made appearances at the fair.

A series of international cultural events held during the fair also drew over 20,000 professional visitors from more than 100 countries and regions.

The European Cultural and Creative Pavilion made its debut in the "Belt & Road International Exhibition Area" at the fair, showcasing French designers' artworks, Belgian digital art, and various international creative designs.

Anne-Marie Sargueil, president of French Institute of Design, expressed her enthusiasm about participating in the ICIF for the first time. She hailed Shenzhen, a renowned hub for innovation and vitality, and praised China's transformation from "Made in China" to "Created in China."

Sargueil believed that design would serve as a bridge to foster dialogue on the value of design between China and France, inspiring creativity and fostering a world imbued with humanistic care.

Iranian exhibitor Mahdi Olyaei attended the fair for the second time, bringing Persian carpets, carpet paintings and Iran's famous saffron.

"I hope to have more cultural exchange activities with China. I brought our products to China and hope that more Chinese viewers and consumers will learn about our Iranian literary and art products," he said.

Joseph, a Nigerian young man who has been engaged in the textile industry, came to China for the first time as a buyer to the ICIF. He hoped to find fabric partners in China and explore the international market with Chinese partners through cooperation in technology research and development.

"In terms of fabric design and technology, China has one of the most advanced technologies in the world," said Joseph.

He also plans to take Chinese cultural products back to his country, noting that he believes Chinese products will become very popular in Nigeria.