For many global exhibitors, the ongoing China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) is not only an annual gathering that connects cultural resources from around the world but also an important marketplace for cultural goods and services.
“This is our first time coming to China and participating in the ICIF,” said Mostafa Amr, chief operating officer and co-founder of PYRUS, an Egyptian tech company dedicated to revitalizing ancient Egyptian culture. “We see this as a vital platform to present our products to the world.”
At the Egyptian Pavilion in Hall 10, PYRUS is showcasing a special robot capable of writing visitors’ names in hieroglyphics, as well as papyrus bookmarks and postcards. Amr explained that hieroglyphics were the writing system of ancient Egypt, and papyrus was the type of paper ancient Egyptians made and wrote on.
“We are popular in Egypt, and Chinese visitors have shown great interest in our products,” Amr said. “We are eager to explore collaborations with Chinese museums and cultural firms.”
PYRUS joined six other prominent Egyptian enterprises at the fair, marking Egypt’s first showcase of its cultural creative products at the ICIF.
For South Korean ceramics artist Jeong Cheol-ho, attending the ICIF is a precious opportunity. “I want to introduce South Korea’s style of luck symbols to the Chinese audience,” said Jeong.
“The scale of the fair was even larger than I expected. Seeing Chinese people interested in South Korean culture made me very happy,” he said.
Nepalese exhibitor Shankar Koirala represented his company Angel Hands, which specializes in traditional Nepalese craftsmanship, at the fair for the fifth time. Koirala said that the fair feels like an old friend — a place where he can always learn new things.
Since launching in 2004, the ICIF has expanded in scale, number of visitors, and international participation. It has become an important platform for promoting the development and openness of China’s cultural industries.