The China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) once again proved to be a golden opportunity for international exhibitors who use the event to showcase their cultures and gain substantial benefits.

The 20th ICIF, which ended yesterday, received a record-breaking 140,000 visits to its main venue on the opening day, according to the fair’s organizers.

“We have attended this exhibition several times. It is one of the important fairs in China, and we attend every year to exchange cultures between China and Afghanistan,” said Ataullah Jan Aminzai, an Afghan exhibitor.

According to Aminzai, the fair has brought together diverse cultures under one roof and created a truly global marketplace for cultural exchange and collaboration.

“Many traders or businessmen come here and bring their products from around the world. We come together in one hall and sell them to people in China,” Aminzai said.

Aminzai highlighted the benefits of participating in the fair, including selling their art and cultural products and securing valuable customer contacts that will boost their sales after the fair concludes.

“The fair is prosperous. We have gained a lot from it, and we think this was one of the most successful fairs for us,” Aminzai said, adding that they plan to attend again next year.

Joseph Mukisa, from Uganda, was equally inspired by the fair’s outcomes. “We come here every year to represent Uganda and introduce our culture. The fair provides a good opportunity for us to promote Ugandan culture, meet different people, and make friends,” Mukisa said.

He also mentioned the positive response to Ugandan coffee and potential for future collaborations, while at the same time renewing the company’s commitment to returning next year.

“We have received many contacts from different people. We will be here next year. We look forward to being here if there is an opportunity,” Mukisa told Shenzhen Daily.

For Thieng Somsat, from Laos, this year’s ICIF marked his company’s first time participating in the event. They brought Laotian products like ancient tree tea, massage oil, and mahogany handicrafts.

“The fair is great for showcasing Laotian culture and promoting Laotian products. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in the ICIF and plan to come again next time,” Somsat shared.