The 7th WCIFIT | Shop the World Under One Roof, More International Than Ever

The annual WCIFIT serves not only as a premier open event for investment and trade negotiations but also stands as a prime destination for Chongqing residents to shop for international goods. On May 23, the reporter visited the "WCIFIT Premium Selection" public-benefit activity site, finding that distinctive products from both China and abroad were drawing large crowds of local citizens.

The "WCIFIT Premium Selection Experience Center" in Hall N1 of the Chongqing International Expo Center was bustling with visitors. Here, citizens could experience authentic specialty products from Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe, America, and the Middle East, much like an international "bazaar".

"What's this bowl used for?" At the Pakistan booth in the Experience Center, Mr. Chen, a senior citizen, paused, intrigued by a uniquely shaped metal bowl.

"This is a Nepalese singing bowl," a booth volunteer told Mr. Chen, explaining that striking the bowl could produce a beautiful sound that helps people relax.

"What a novelty, a real novelty!" Mr. Chen exclaimed, remarking that visiting WCIFIT not only allows one to shop but also to broaden one's horizons.

Exquisite handmade carpets at the Afghanistan booth lured numerous shoppers to stop and admire. The foreign head of the booth introduced in fluent Chinese: "Handmade carpets are excellent. To keep them beautiful, there's no need to wash them often; you can simply clean them with a vacuum cleaner in daily use."

▲Visitors learn about Afghan carpets at the Chongqing International Expo Center, May 22. Photograph courtesy of chief reporter Long Fan

The reporter learned that this exhibitor was participating in the WCIFIT for the fifth time and was very familiar with the event. Alongside carpets, he also showcased handicrafts like beaded bracelets and wooden carvings.

At the Peru booth, plush alpaca toys crafted from genuine alpaca wool, remarkably lifelike, fluffy, and adorable, attracted throngs of visitors eager to take photos and "check-in". Benefiting from the "traffic acquisition" generated by the charming plush toys, the neighboring Egypt booth also welcomed numerous customers, with its handicrafts and genuine leather bags proving popular.

The reporter noticed that many foreign exhibitors adopted a "fusion of Chinese and foreign" approach. For instance, HEER Biotechnology from Mali presented nearly 20 exhibits, including hand cream, facial cream, and toothpaste, all made from purely African-sourced, green, and natural ingredients. For manufacturing, they partnered with renowned domestic producers. Liuzhou Liangmianzhen, for example, is the toothpaste manufacturer.

▲Visitors taste Czech beer at the Chongqing International Expo Center, May 22. Photograph courtesy of chief reporter Long Fan

▲Visitors learn about products at the Egypt booth at the Chongqing International Expo Center, May 22. Photograph courtesy of chief reporter Long Fan

▲Staff members dressed in Korean attire promote Korean products at the Chongqing International Expo Center, May 22. Photograph courtesy of chief reporter Long Fan

Similarly, at the Italy booth, a yellow Vespa scooter was on display. The sales staff explained that this exquisite small scooter is the same model as the one featured in the famous film Roman Holiday and is highly favored by consumers worldwide. If citizens take a liking to it at the WCIFIT, they can visit the offline store located in Jiulongpo District to purchase it.

This "WCIFIT Premium Selection" public-benefit activity event not only features a wide selection of overseas goods but also specialty products from across China, such as Sawoer honey lemon water from Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region; fragrant glutinous corn from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region; and wooden handicrafts from Changchun, Jilin Province.

It is reported that the "WCIFIT Premium Selection" public-benefit activity will run through May 25. Citizens visiting the site can also participate in interactive sessions to claim various perks.

Source: New Chongqing - Chongqing Daily