Pakistani Faizan Ahmed was happy to talk about the China International Import Expo that concluded in Shanghai on Nov 10.

Representing Shakeeb Gems, he said by phone: "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."

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

Over 35 Pakistani companies showcased such products as textiles, leather, sporting goods, surgical equipment and furniture.

"Companies, including jewelry, manufacturing and agriculture, are getting excellent responses in the CIIE," a spokesperson for Pakistan's embassy in Beijing said by phone.

"Can you imagine, a few Pakistani companies signed contracts on the very first day."

The successes mean the exhibitors and those who could not make it this time look forward to next year's CIIE.

Among them are likely M/s Garib Sons, Marhaba Laboratories, Sarmco International, Continental Traders, Al-Hamra Handicrafts, Indus Marbles, Pak Products, Chadyala Art, Ansari Brothers, Hamdan Traders and FB Enterprises.

Many Pakistani companies couldn't make it to the third CIIE because of the second wave of COVID-19.

At last year's CIIE, Pakistani companies signed lucrative contracts to export rice, textiles, garments, leather products, carpet, 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 "Chinese's 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."

Thanks to deals made at 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, and packaging and processing facilities. The newspaper Dawn quoted Li as saying China will help Pakistan improve 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 China's mangos.

More businesses are seeking to produce high value-added goods.

People from both sides may cooperate with Pakistani snack manufacturers in the next production phase.

China's State Development and Investment Corp purchased commodities from Pakistan, Cambodia, Indonesia and South Africa at the CIIE.

The CIIE "reflected confidence from the international community in the prospects of the Chinese market", Pakistani media quoted SDIC Party secretary and chairman Bai Tao as saying.

By Kaswar Klasra, a freelancer writer