China India Photo:CFP

Indian merchants showcased distinctive wood carvings and handicrafts at the 8th China-South Asia Expo as it opened on Tuesday, highlighting their optimism about the China market. Traders conveyed a strong interest in the market, committing to expanding their presence despite geopolitical issues between India and China.

The expo has a significant representation from India, with nearly half of the No.9 Exhibition Hall occupied by Indian business delegations and commercial groups. The Federation of Indian Export Organizations, the Indian Chamber of Commerce and the India-China Trade Center facilitated the participation, occupying 166 display booths and marking India as one of the largest national exhibitors.

We have been participating in the event since its inception. In recent years, the expo grew in size, and the business generated also increased significantly. It has been quite a successful journey, said Ajay Sahai, director-general and CEO of the Federation of Indian Export Organization. Over the years, the expo has served as an essential platform for India to showcase its culture and products to China's booming consumer market.

"This is my first time participating in an expo in China, which has huge market potential. I am here to connect with Chinese merchants and bring more Indian crafts to China," Subh, an Indian handicraft merchant, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

As a chamber of commerce, we find China-India business relations extremely conducive. Media reports may not reflect this, but interactions between businesses and people on both sides are very cordial and friendly, added Sahai, when asked about bilateral relations.

Some issues exist, such as market access for Indian exporters in sectors like food products and pharmaceuticals, which take time to resolve due to consumer sensitivity. This applies to some Chinese exports to India as well. These challenges are part of the trade process, and we will overcome them over time, Sahai noted.

Ijaz, a Pakistani merchant dealing predominantly in Indian goods, commented on the resilience of trade despite strained political relations. "In recent years, the relationship between China and India has been strained, but this has not affected my business selling Indian products in China." 

"Although I am Pakistani, my products originate from India. Even though relations between India and Pakistan can sometimes be tense, it does not affect our business dealings. I view the China-India relationship in the same way."

Political and economic tensions have marked China-India relations over the past few years.   

"I hope that China and India can further improve their relations, so that everyone can prosper and business can proceed smoothly," Ijaz stated.