Yiwu Cultural Fair attracts purchasers from 118 countries and regions

    Previous Yiwu Cultural Fair attracted 4,669 foreign merchants from 107 countries and regions even in the economic gloom caused by the global financial crisis. The first day (April 20) of this Yiwu Cultural Fair alone has attracted purchasers from over 30 countries and regions as well as 16 overseas purchasing groups.

    It was observed at the check-in counter for overseas merchants in Yiwu International Expo Center (the main exhibition venue of the fair) at the noon of April 20 that a 100-squaremeter office space was packed with overseas merchants waiting for registration.  "It's the second time that I have come here to attend the cultural fair. I intend to go home with a batch of artistic handicrafts this year," said Portuguese businessman Eannes through an interpreter when filling in his forms.

    With the introduction by friends, he came to attend Yiwu Cultural Fair for the first time last year, where he was amazed at the abundant cultural products. "I didn't think I needed to go elsewhere to experience China's cultural charm, because this is almost the essence of Chinese culture," Eannes said. What pleased him most is that the handicrafts with Chinese features he bought from the fair were favored by the local consumers. "This year I will not only purchase artistic handicrafts that could better represent Chinese culture, but also spend some time traveling here so as to better understand Chinese culture," he added.

    According to the materials provided by staff members at the check-in counter, about 600 overseas merchants (including 16 purchasing groups) from over 30 countries had arrived for registration in less than 5 hours after the opening ceremony. "Each of us has to receive over 20 overseas merchants every hour from the opening ceremony to the noon. Most of the purchasers are from the Arabian countries and Southeast Asian nations," a receptionist said.

    This cultural fair achieves a trade volume of 2.807 billion Yuan, with over 60 percent contributed by the foreign trade.