Special Report: Armenian Businesses Discover the Chinese Market at the Shanghai Import Expo

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Shanghai, November 8 (Xinhua) — "All our mineral water is from the mountains of Armenia, completely natural, pure, and slightly sweet. Try it," Levon Gharibyan, a representative of the Armenian spring water brand Aparan, enthusiastically presented his product at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE).

He said this was his first time participating in an import exhibition and expressed hope that this platform would help him find suitable distributors to help Armenian water find its place in the Chinese market.

"Our spring drinking water doesn't undergo many complex processing steps. We preserve its natural composition as much as possible. It's rich in microelements, slightly alkaline, and beneficial for health. This is our advantage, and I believe that Aparan will be an excellent choice for Chinese consumers seeking healthy and natural water," said L. Garibyan.

In addition to spring water, the Armenian pavilion features cognacs, grape and pomegranate wines, tea, honey, and other products, as well as silk scarves, tapestries, and other handicrafts.

"All our products are made in Armenia," noted Davit Mkhitaryan, Deputy Chairman of the Center for the Development of Armenian-Chinese Relations. He's a frequent participant in import expos, speaks fluent Chinese, and tirelessly assists at the Armenian national pavilion, translating, presenting products, establishing contacts, and facilitating negotiations.

The Armenian land is fertile and has long been renowned for its agricultural produce. As one of the oldest viticultural regions in the world, Armenia boasts unique climate conditions and centuries-old winemaking traditions, creating a solid foundation for the production of superb cognac.

"The high altitude and abundant sunlight make Armenian grapes especially sweet," said D. Mkhitaryan. "Combined with the purest mountain spring water, this gives our cognac a unique flavor and richness of nuance."

However, according to him, Armenian goods in China still remain quite niche. "Some Chinese consumers probably don't even know where our country is, let alone know about our traditional products," says D. Mkhitaryan with a smile.

The CIIE provides Armenian companies with an invaluable opportunity to enter the vast Chinese market and opens up boundless prospects. According to D. Mkhitaryan, the main export destinations for Armenian products are Russia, Belarus, and other CIS countries. Participation in the expo not only helps increase the recognition of Armenian brands in China but also creates important opportunities for finding partners and expanding their global business.

"Of the 13 [Armenian] companies participating in the exhibition this year, most were attending for the first time. They were attracted by the [EXPO's] reputation, and they are full of anticipation," noted D. Mkhitaryan. Since the first CIIE in 2018, almost all Armenian participants have received Chinese orders or cooperation offers, and Chinese consumers have gradually begun to recognize and appreciate Armenian products.

In August of this year, China and Armenia officially established a strategic partnership. Bilateral trade has been steadily growing recently. As D. Mkhitaryan emphasized, as relations between the two countries deepen and cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative steadily advances, cooperation between Armenia and China is becoming increasingly close, bringing tangible benefits to both sides.

“In a world where the global economy faces many uncertainties, I hope that in the future we can continue to use the CIIE platform to bring more Armenian products with a distinctive national character to the Chinese market, take advantage of the development opportunities China offers, and promote mutual benefit,” he said.

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