Guinea-Bissau, one of the top 10 global producers of cashews, produces over 250,000 metric tons of the nut annually, making this industry vital to the nation's economy. Approximately 80 percent of Guinea-Bissau's population relies on cashew production for their livelihood.

In recent years, Guinea-Bissau has worked to strengthen its ties with China, actively participating in major trade events across the country. Among these, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) stands out as a key platform for the nation to promote its products.

Antonio Serifo Embalo, Guinea-Bissau's ambassador to China, noted that events like the CIIE have provided valuable opportunities for Guinea-Bissau to showcase its agricultural products, particularly cashews.

A worker at a processing factory in Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, showcases unshelled cashew nuts. [Photo/Xinhua]

In 2022, a cashew company from Guinea-Bissau learned through the country's trade department and the economic and commercial office of the Chinese embassy in Guinea-Bissau that the CIIE offers partial support, such as free exhibition booths, to exhibitors from least-developed countries. Eager to tap into the Chinese market, the company decided to promote its cashews at the expo.

Despite it being their first time participating in the event, the exhibitors from Guinea-Bissau found the process smooth and well-organized, thanks to the CIIE's comprehensive and user-friendly guidance. "The support they provided was so detailed and easy to understand, like helping a schoolchild with their homework. It made everything much easier for us," one of the exhibitors said.

To their surprise, the cashews were a big hit at the expo. The booth received visits from numerous trade missions and potential buyers daily, far exceeding their expectations.

The popularity of Guinea-Bissau's cashews at the CIIE has prompted the country's government to place even greater importance on the expo. In July 2023, China invited Guinea-Bissau to participate in the sixth CIIE and offered additional support. The  relevant department of Guinea-Bissau quickly signed the exhibition agreement, carefully designing the pavilion and selecting representative products, including Guinea-Bissau's renowned wooden carvings. At the sixth CIIE, these carvings, known for their bold artistic style and elegant lines, attracted significant attention from visitors.

The Guinea-Bissau's pavilion at the 6th CIIE. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

The benefits of participating in the CIIE continue to grow for Guinea-Bissau. Recently, a joint statement between China and Guinea-Bissau announced plans to accelerate the export of high-quality agricultural products, including cashews, to China. The statement also mentioned exploring local processing options to increase the value of these products.

"We've been eagerly awaiting this news," said Mamadu Jamanca, president of Guinea-Bissau's National Importers and Exporters Association. "We have high hopes for the vast Chinese market and look forward to working with Chinese companies to enhance the value of our products and benefit more of our people."

Looking ahead, Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo will attend the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing from Sept 4 to 6. Just two months later, the 7th CIIE will take place, continuing to create development opportunities for Guinea-Bissau and other least-developed countries.

A visitor takes photos at the Guinea-Bissau's pavilion during the 6th CIIE. [Photo/Xinhua]

Sources: People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency, www.chinanews.com, www.cankaoxiaoxi.com, China Culture Daily, www.ccdi.gov.cn, WeChat channel: rmrbgjbzh, mobile application of Beijing Daily, the Chinese embassy in Guinea-Bissau, the economic and commercial office of the Chinese embassy in Guinea-Bissau

By Zhao Guangmei