(CIIE) Small players, big gains at China's import expo

Detailed summary

The CIIE, the world's largest import-themed expo, has opened a new market for Koirala's business, linking more than 600 artisan families in Nepal with Chinese buyers thousands of…

SHANGHAI, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Every cashmere scarf that leaves Nepalese businessman Shankar Koirala's booth at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) carries a signature. It belongs to the artisan who spent months, sometimes years, stitching the piece by hand.

The CIIE, the world's largest import-themed expo, has opened a new market for Koirala's business, linking more than 600 artisan families in Nepal with Chinese buyers thousands of kilometers away.

"When we didn't know where to promote our products, the CIIE gave us a platform," said Koirala at the ongoing ninth edition of the trade event. His company, Himalayan Threads, had little presence in China before joining the expo.

Now on his sixth visit, Koirala has seen his booth expand from nine to 72 square meters, as his products have found a foothold in China. Growing business has also meant higher earnings for the artisans, he said.

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