International expo in western China draws over 3,000 companies

CHENGDU -- The 20th Western China International Fair (WCIF) opened on Sunday in Chengdu, the capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and diverse products, and attracting more than 3,000 companies from 62 countries and regions.

For the first time, this year's event has two guest countries of honor: Laos and Hungary. Laos' pavilion is spotlighting tea, coffee, furniture and handicrafts, while Hungary's is presenting 17 firms specializing in wine, medical devices and eco-friendly water treatment technology.

The fair provides valuable opportunities for business matchmaking, investment cooperation and information sharing for enterprises from Laos and other countries, effectively enhancing connectivity and integration in regional commodity markets, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune said at the opening ceremony.

Making her first appearance at the fair, Indonesian exhibitor Fransisca Pauline Tjandra is showcasing handmade accessories. And by running a workshop on manual handicrafts such as shell necklaces, she expects that more Chinese people will learn about Indonesian handicrafts through the event.

"To attend the fair, I even learned some basic Chinese, like 'nihao' (hello), 'xiexie' (thanks) and 'Duoshaoqian?' (How much?)," she said.

Hosted by the Sichuan provincial government, the fair will run until Thursday.