Han Ximin

1824295095@qq.com

THE 20th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) will take place at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center in Bao’an District from May 23 to 27.

This year, the fair will see participation from 60 countries and regions, marking a 20% increase compared to last year. The exhibition space for international exhibitors has expanded significantly, growing from 3,000 square meters to 20,000 square meters.

In anticipation of the event, several foreign participants have expressed their excitement and hope for significant benefits.

The Korean Traditional Culture Industry Research Institute will be coordinating the participation of South Korean enterprises for the sixth time. The institute, which focuses on researching and promoting South Korean traditional culture globally, is enthusiastic about this year’s fair.

“One of the great joys is meeting new friends at the ever-evolving fair,” said Jung Kwang-ho, director of the institute, during a video interview. The Korean Pavilion will feature traditional crafts such as pottery and leather products from Gimhae-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, and Gyeongsangnam-do. Jung hopes these products will be well received in the Chinese market.

“The fair is an indispensable event for international cultural exchange and friendship because the world gathers in one place,” said Jung.

Yap Chew Soon from Laos will be attending the ICIF for the 10th time. In previous years, Yap’s company has seen encouraging results, which include establishing new cooperative relationships and increasing sales.

“We will showcase Laos cultural and travel comics, creative coffee, local specialties, and handmade products to visitors. We hope to find more potential customers, expand our business, and engage in more in-depth exchanges with industry peers,” said Yap.

Victor Briciu, an associate professor at the Faculty of Sociology and Communication at Transilvania University of Brasov in Romania, expressed her excitement about participating in the 20th ICIF. The university has been a regular participant since 2018, both on-site and online.

“As an educational and research organization, we focus on delivering the newest opportunities for future collaborations, so presentations of our services are the key ingredients of our exhibition booth,” said Briciu.

She believes the fair has enhanced the university’s international and Chinese recognition, strengthening academic relationships with Chinese partner universities and promoting cultural activities through the Confucius Institute in Brasov.

“We will organize hand-crafting activities for visitors to understand Romania and its cultural heritage, and we will display new products developed by our research centers,” said Briciu.

The 20th ICIF is seen as a crucial event for promoting deeper connections, stimulating productive collaborations, and facilitating transformative progress in various areas of academia and beyond, according to Briciu.

“We expect to discover emerging trends and technologies that have the potential to shape the future of our respective fields, whether it is in engineering, tourism, cultural heritage, or beyond,” she said.

“ICIF plays a key role in promoting cultural exchanges and serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding, creating opportunities for all the exhibitors. By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, ICIF contributes to the promotion of mutual understanding, creativity, and cooperation on a global scale,” Briciu added.