From May 25 to 29, the 20th Western China International Fair (WCIF) was held in Chengdu, Southwest China’s Sichuan Province, attracting over 3,000 enterprises from 63 countries and regions, including nearly 300 foreign and foreign-invested enterprises in China. Exhibitors and buyers from around the world gathered here to seek business opportunities and negotiate collaborations. The WCIF has become a highly valued platform for foreign businesses, allowing them to witness the immense potential of "Made in China" and the vast prospects of the Chinese market.
Participants attend the 20th Western China International Fair, which was held in Chengdu, Southwest China’s Sichuan Province from May 25 to 29, 2025. Photos: Secretariat of the Organizing Committee of the Western China International Fair
Walking through the exhibition halls of the WICF, there is a significant change different from previous years: Foreign exhibitors have shifted from merely showcasing "Made in China" products to emphasizing a "joint innovation with China" partnership. China Office Director of the Hungarian Handmade Wine Association Varga-Sabjan David was busy introducing Hungarian Tokaji wine to Chinese buyers. "We are actively seeking importers and distributors in western China through the WCIF and have already engaged in discussions with some enterprises from Sichuan and Chongqing," he said.
He said that Hungarian wineries are optimistic about the Chinese market, adding that "The association also promptly relays information about Chinese consumer preferences and market trends to our member companies, helping them better seize opportunities in China."
He lifted a bottle of golden-hued Tokaji wine and its alluring fragrance permeated the air, and he gently rotated the bottle, as though unveiling a piece of art.
"We believe that through collaboration with Chinese enterprises, we can better introduce Hungary's premium wines to the Chinese market while offering unique tasting experiences to Chinese consumers," Varga-Sabjan said.
In the buyer matchmaking area, reporters met Nabil Azaroual from Morocco, who runs a trading company with extensive supplier and client resources. To meet customer demands, Azaroual constantly searches for high-quality products across China. "I really enjoy attending the WCIF because I always discover more technologically advanced new products here," he said excitedly.
He recalled sealing a deal last year with an agricultural machinery supplier to export drone equipment to a client located in Morocco. The client gave positive feedback on the product’d quality, which subsequently motivated him to make a return this year. When evaluating the Chinese market, the businessman gave it the highest praise, "After traveling to many countries, I believe China is the 'most perfect market.'" His company currently handles about 25 products and continuously expands its product line by sourcing new high-quality goods at such exhibitions.
Ayman Saad Hashem Mohammed Abd Elwahed from Egypt, who is the CEO of Ontop Trading Ltd, has lived in China for 20 years. In recent years, he has been focusing on facilitating partnerships between Chinese and foreign enterprises, and has successfully connected five Chinese copper and aluminum companies with Saudi partners for large-scale factory projects. This was his first time attending the WCIF in Chengdu. He found the quality of exhibits exceeded his expectations. "The core of the Chinese market is 'you get what you pay for,' and now Chinese companies place greater emphasis on independent quality standards," he said. Through live streams, he showcases China's real development achievements to overseas clients, highlighting scenes like high-speed rail and infrastructure. "I believe business cooperation should be built on transparent presentation," he said.
At one of the main events of the WCIF – the 15th Western China International Procurement Conference – government representatives from over 60 countries and regions, including the US, Australia, Spain, Uruguay, Thailand and Iceland, attended together with officials from foreign embassies and consulates in China, overseas chambers of commerce, multinational corporations and leading enterprises.
Participants attend the 20th Western China International Fair, which was held in Chengdu, Southwest China’s Sichuan Province from May 25 to 29, 2025.
During the signing and launching ceremony, more than 30 projects were signed on-site, with intended procurement agreements totaling nearly 7 billion yuan, covering sectors such as new energy, energy storage engineering and agricultural products.
To fully leverage the WCIF's role as a platform for trade and international cooperation, promoting development through openness and helping foreign trade enterprises expand their channels, the WCIF specially organized a matchmaking session for international buyers. This session attracted buyers from the UK, Spain, Portugal, Russia, Malaysia, Indonesia, the UAE, Brazil, Argentina and other countries, with procurement needs spanning electronics, equipment, components, food, pharmaceuticals and other industries.
Al Saeedi Abdulkareem Adel Abbas, an Iraqi buyer who attended the WCIF for the first time, found the results beyond expectations. He was particularly interested in solar power and LED lighting and had in-depth discussions with a photovoltaic company representative, planning further price checks and visits to their production processes. He said, "The exhibition brings together many high-quality enterprises, and I have full confidence in the technology and products of Chinese companies. Although some consumers in Iraq have misconceptions about Chinese products, as a long-term trader dealing with Chinese enterprises, I know the quality advantages of 'Made in China.'"
At the exhibition, he focused on solar power and energy storage systems, emphasizing the need for factory inspections to verify technical capabilities, demonstrating the rigor of a professional buyer. He believes that collaboration with Chinese enterprises will bring new opportunities for his business.
Fransisca Pauline Tjandra runs a handicraft workshop in Indonesia. Attending the WCIF for the first time, she brought many traditional Indonesian handicrafts, including shell necklaces and handmade accessories. She hopes to introduce Indonesians to Chinese traditional crafts and explore more collaboration opportunities. She told reporters, "To attend the WCIF, I even learned some basic Chinese." She picked up an exquisite shell necklace and showed it off, saying, "I hope this platform can help more Chinese people appreciate Indonesian handicrafts and collaborate with Chinese entrepreneurs to develop new products."
Participants attend the 20th Western China International Fair, which was held in Chengdu, Southwest China’s Sichuan Province from May 25 to 29, 2025.
In the WCIF exhibition halls, "Made in China" products were on full display, ranging from traditional handicrafts to high-tech electronics, from agricultural products to advanced industrial equipment. These products not only showcased the diversity of Chinese manufacturing but also reflected its quality and innovative spirit.
As highlighted by numerous foreign enterprises, the genuine secret to thriving in this "value for money" market is to "cultivate mutual growth alongside China." When Hungarian wine meets Sichuan cuisine or Middle Eastern demand connects with Chinese factories, the dynamic interactions unfolding at the WCIF are redefining the global perception of "Made in China."