Chongqing-The Iceland Exhibition in the WCIFIT 2022 International Cooperation Hall features native products on sale through internet platforms in China, including seafood, woolen garments, branded chocolate, and innovative cosmetics. The Trade Representative of the Icelandic Embassy in China, Yang Li, describes the current state of trade relations and exchange in light of the WCIFIT conference.
Iceland is hosting a booth inside the International Cooperation Hall at this edition of WCIFIT. Top-name products include dried sea cucumber and other seafood varieties in a ready-made soup blended with Chinese ingredients from Yunnan province. The range of clothing on display is made from native wool produced in Iceland with unique designs that consumers in China can order through a Wechat platform.
Before the pandemic restricted the flow of tourists between the two countries, there were 100,000 visits by Chinese tourists to Iceland per year by 2019. However, this first European country to sign a free trade agreement with China has continued to develop its relations. During this time, China has become the second largest supplier of goods to Iceland, while China represents their ninth largest foreign market. Additionally, many cultural relations are still growing.
'There are thousands of students at Beijing Foreign Studies University who are studying courses in the Icelandic language and have gained impressive proficiency in the language. Meanwhile, the people of Iceland are very eager to understand China better.' Commented Yang Li, Trade Representative of the Icelandic Embassy in China.