Pakistani Faizan Ahmed was happy to talk about the China International Import Expo that concluded in Shanghai on Tuesday.

"This is the third time that we've attended the expo. We have received tremendous responses in the first and second editions of the CIIE. We got great responses this time, too," said Ahmed, of Shakeeb Gems.

Thirteen companies from Pakistan specializing in jewelry design and manufacturing, cross-border trade, freight transportation, furniture, agriculture, and handicrafts attended this year's CIIE, which ran from Nov 5 to 10.

More than 35 Pakistani companies in total showcased products such as textiles, leather, sporting goods, surgical equipment, and furniture.

"Companies, including jewelry, manufacturing and agriculture, are getting excellent responses in the CIIE," an official for Pakistan's embassy in Beijing said. "Can you imagine, a few Pakistani companies signed contracts on the very first day?"

Their success means the exhibitors and those who could not make it this time are already looking forward to next year's CIIE.

Many Pakistani companies could not make it to this year's event because of the second wave of the coronavirus.

At last year's CIIE, Pakistani companies signed contracts to export rice, textiles, garments, leather products, carpets, handicrafts, wooden furniture, sports goods and herbal products.

They did even better this year.

Faizan's team exhibited tourmalines, lapis, garnets, sapphires and rubies. Tourmalines are a particular "Chinese favorite", he said.

"Organizers have taken elaborate measures to make sure we all are safe from the pandemic. I believe China is safer than any other country in the current pandemic situation. This is why we decided to attend the expo to explore business opportunities."

Cherry exports

Thanks to deals made at the CIIE, the first batch of Pakistani cherries is scheduled to leave for China next year, said Li Wei, business representative of Huazhilong International Trading Private Ltd, Pakistan.

The export of Pakistani cherries had been hindered by a lack of cold-chain management, market knowledge, packaging, and processing facilities.

The oldest English-language newspaper in Pakistan, Dawn, quoted Li as saying China will help the country improve its cold-chain technology.

To explore the great potential for Pakistani agricultural products, Li said that China can provide technical assistance for the management of orchards, while Pakistan can provide staff so that both sides can achieve win-win cooperation.

Another potential export is Pakistani mangos. Their sugar content reaches about 23 percent when they ripen from August to November, two months longer than is the case with China's mangos.

The author is a freelance writer.