Ningbo companies explore Central Asian markets through trade, culture

Visitors ask about products at a Ningbo booth. [Photo/Yongpai App]

Nine companies from Ningbo, Zhejiang province, showcased their products and industrial strengths at the second China-Central Asia (Uzbekistan) Trade Expo, which was held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, from Oct 14 to 16.

Organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Ningbo Committee, the Ningbo exhibition area featured promotional brochures with QR codes, enabling visitors to access product information quickly and helping businesses connect with potential partners.

Alongside the business displays, a special cultural exhibition introduced Ningbo through creative products, including city-themed puzzles, handmade folding fans, and traditional Chinese decorative knot buttons. An interactive activity featuring traditional pattern printing also attracted overseas visitors, offering them a hands-on experience of Chinese culture.

An Uzbek buyer, who has visited Ningbo several times and established long-term business partnerships with companies in the city, praised the intricate patterns and said he was familiar with the city's strong industrial base.

Uzbekistan, the most populous country in Central Asia, is an important market for Chinese businesses. Bilateral trade between China and Uzbekistan grew 34 percent in 2025, while Ningbo's imports and exports with Uzbekistan rose 49.7 percent year-on-year in the first eight months of 2026.

By combining trade promotion with cultural exchange, Ningbo aims to strengthen business ties with Central Asia and help more local companies explore opportunities in the region.