By Jin Yuhan

From South America to West Africa, Ningbo manufacturers are expanding their global reach—not only trading goods but also promoting cultural exchange and dialogue with international partners. Beyond showcasing products at trade fairs, they are displaying graphic seals that highlight Ningbo's culture, strengthening cross-cultural connections.

Ningbo Exporters Cross the Pacific for Trade Expo in Chile

Ningbo businesses showcased their products on the other side of the Pacific at the 3rd Chile-China Investment and Trade Fair & Chile Houseware Expo 2025, which opened September 8 in Santiago. Nearly 40 Ningbo companies put up their booths across a 1,000-square-meter space, displaying cleaning supplies, household goods, auto parts, and handicraft items.

Undeterred by the distance, Ningbo's exporters remain committed to the principle: "If there's an exhibition, we'll be there."

This year's event, co-hosted by the Ningbo Municipal Bureau of Commerce and the Chile-China Industrial Economic Development Association, is a cornerstone of Ningbo's strategy to independently organize overseas trade fairs. The occasion also marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Chile. According to a bureau representative, the goal is to strengthen the global presence of Ningbo's manufacturers while helping Chinese companies forge meaningful connections with the South American market, boosting business cooperation between the two countries.

The expo also featured a cultural display area highlighting Ningbo culture alongside Chilean traditions, along with a photo exhibition of Ningbo's landmarks that had previously toured abroad. Many participants engaged with the displays and took photos.

Organizers reported a 30% increase in registered professional visitors compared with the previous edition. Attendees also came from Argentina, Peru, Uruguay, and other countries, reflecting growing regional interest.

Ningbo Tianyuan Import & Export Co., Ltd., specializing in cleaning tools and plastic household products with an annual export value of around $35 million, participated to expand their distribution network in South America. "Good quality is the best draw for clients. But we also offered panda plush toys and silk scarves to visitors as a way to build goodwill and promote Chinese culture along the Belt and Road," said a company representative.

Several Ningbo companies have participated for three consecutive years. Some were able to secure key client connections on the first day. All share the common goal of broadening the global footprint of Ningbo's manufacturing.

"Imprints of Two Cities" Brings Ningbo and Benin Closer

At the 15th Benin (West Africa) China Commodity Exhibition on September 10, a cultural display titled "Imprints of Two Cities" drew wide attention by blending the heritage of Ningbo and Benin.

Engraved seals featuring Ningbo landmarks—Tianyige, China's oldest existing private library, and the bustling Ningbo Zhoushan Port—were paired with designs of Benin's Royal Palaces of Abomey, palm trees, and ship fleets. Visitors eagerly pressed the seals into vermilion ink, stamping scrolls and bookmarks that they later took home as keepsakes.

The activity added a cultural dimension to the trade-focused fair. "These seals gave me a more vivid picture of Ningbo Zhoushan Port. I hope to visit Tianyige and the port in person one day," said a Beninese merchant.

The initiative was organized by the Benin-China Economic and Trade Development Center, a collaborative project between China and Benin's governments run by Zhejiang Teams International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co., Ltd. Over the past 17 years, the center has facilitated partnerships between more than 2,500 Chinese and African enterprises, generating trade worth over $200 million.

"Trade connects economies; culture connects hearts," said Chen Weiwei, the center's Domestic Affairs Director. "Through activities like ‘Imprints of Two Cities,' we want African friends to understand both Ningbo's advanced manufacturing and vibrant culture. This would hopefully foster more people-to-people connections for enhanced business cooperation."

With Africa's population surpassing 1.5 billion and strong demand for infrastructure, daily necessities, and energy, opportunities for Ningbo-manufactured products are expanding rapidly. Benin, as major commercial and trade hub in West Africa, is emerging as a strategic gateway for Chinese companies looking to tap into a regional market of 358 million people.

The stamped scrolls and bookmarks may be small tokens, but they capture the spirit of a partnership that is steadily deepening—where trade builds bridges, culture cements bonds, and Ningbo's ties with Benin open new possibilities across continents.