Various exhibitors participating in the ongoing fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou City of south China's Hainan Province say they are taking the annual event as a platform to find more cooperation partners.
Among them, a Nepali exhibitor, is a very example of how international small businesses are learning to thrive by closely following the rhythm of the Chinese consumer market.
Back in 2021, Shankar Koirala first brought Nepali cashmere products to China through the China International Import Expo (CIIE).
The reception was encouraging. Since then, the size of the staff in his factory in Nepal has grown from just 12 workers to over 50 now, driven by rising orders from China.
This year marks his third time participating in the consumer products expo, now with upgraded versions of his signature scarves -- products designed with a deeper understanding of local tastes and preferences.
Shankar said that in order to establish a firm foothold in the Chinese market, it's essential to understand consumer trends.
In the past, the cashmere scarves he brought from Nepal mainly featured colorful patterns, but now, the core products he introduces to the Chinese market have undergone significant changes.
"In the past, Chinese consumers preferred to buy in large quantities, but now they're more focused on purchasing fewer, higher-quality products. This shift has happened over the past two years. So we've started customizing some of our products for Chinese customers -- adding hand embroidery to certain scarves, for example -- and we're spending more time perfecting each item," said Koirala.
To keep up with the Chinese market, Koirala has participated in the Consumer Products Expo for three consecutive years. This experience has also inspired him to further expand his business presence in China.
"This year, our purpose for coming is completely different from previous years. We're hoping to find a shop here in Hainan and experience some of the favorable policies the region offers. We want to keep moving forward in step with China's pace," said Koirala.
In the Greenland global exhibition area, there are also many small-scale exhibitors from countries like Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Mongolia.
They are taking the consumer products expo as a platform to bring their countries' unique products into the Chinese market and establish a foothold there.
"At the Consumer Products Expo, they're able to promote their brands because the expo is primarily a platform targeting common consumers. For these exhibitors, the expo not only provides them with an opportunity to sell their products but also helps them gain greater brand recognition," said Chen Junma, director of Greenland global exhibition area.
The fifth CICPE runs from April 13 to 18.
Nepali exhibitor keeps pace with evolving Chinese consumer tastes, preferences
