Yiwu International Trade Market, the world's largest small commodity hub located in east China's Zhejiang Province, welcomed a total of 235,000 visits on Sunday, the first business day after the nation's Spring Festival holiday.
This figure marks a 3.07 percent year-on-year increase. The bustling marketplace also saw around 75,000 businesses open their doors to serve customers on Sunday.
At a fashion accessories store at the market, some hair accessory products designed by AI has caught the attention of foreign buyers.
"I saw several images of hair accessory designs generated by AI, and some products. I think they are very nice and innovative," a merchant from Turkmenistan said.
"Our customers find this approach very innovative and efficient. We have been using AI for product design for a year, and now AI contributes to 15 percent of our designs," said Huang Zixuan, owner of the fashion accessories store.
In 2024, Yiwu's total import and export value reached 668.93 billion yuan (about 91.78 billion U.S. dollars), up 18.2 percent year on year, hitting a record high, according to customs data. As the goods produced in this renowned wholesale hub continue to gain popularity worldwide, local merchants are full of confidence in their business in the new year.
"Last year, this product was a huge hit for us, with millions sold. We hope to have even more bestsellers this year and sell even more," said Lin Qiuqin, a merchant at the trade market.
"This year, we plan to attend more international trade fairs and major domestic ones. We will also focus on expanding our online sales channels, with the goal of achieving 30 percent growth," said another merchant Yang Weizhen.
Yiwu Int'l Trade Market sees 235,000 visits on first business day in Chinese New Year
Yiwu Int'l Trade Market sees 235,000 visits on first business day in Chinese New Year
Russia is "in favor" of the 30-day ceasefire plan proposed by the United States and Ukraine, but nuances exist, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.
At a press conference with visiting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin addressed the current state of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the recent discussions surrounding the proposed ceasefire.
Putin said that Russia agrees with the proposals to stop hostilities, but it proceeds from the fact that this cessation should be one that would lead to long-term peace and eliminate the original causes of this crisis.
Putin noted the difficulty in monitoring ceasefire violations along the 2,000 km contact line of the conflict and raised the issue that Ukraine might use the temporary ceasefire for mobilization and weapons supplies.
He mentioned the nuance regarding the Kursk region, where Russian forces have been pushing back Ukrainian forces following their surprise cross-border attack in August 2024.
Putin said he might call U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the issues, reiterating Russia's support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, provided that any agreement is feasible and fair.
On the same day, Trump expressed optimism regarding Putin's statements but cautioned that they were "incomplete". Trump said that he is willing to engage in dialogue with Putin, adding that if Russia rejects the agreement, it would be a "very disappointing moment for the world".
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to Putin's remarks, believing that they suggest Russia's intent to reject the ceasefire proposal. He asserted that the conditions set by Russia for halting hostilities are merely tactics to manipulate the situation.
Ukraine on Tuesday signaled its readiness to accept a U.S. proposal for an "immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire" following talks with a U.S. delegation in Jeddah, according to their joint statement.
The statement also said the truce could be extended by mutual agreement, adding that "the United States will communicate to Russia that Russian reciprocity is the key to achieving peace".
Putin says Russia "in favor" of ceasefire, but nuances exist
