On June 16, diplomats from eleven countries, including the Republic of Cyprus, the Czech Republic, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of South Africa, New Zealand, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, gathered in the headquarter of JD.com to attend the "friends gathering" event for the 20th anniversary of JD.com and a sharing session to discuss a new chapter of cooperation promoted by e-commerce.

Roundtable discussion with foreign envoys (Photo by Yang Bin)

Petros Petrou, Trade Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in China, announced that with the support of the embassy and Cyprus's tourism department, tourism products are officially launched in JD.com's Cyprus National Pavilion. Cyprus's specialty products are available for consumers in the pavilion, as well as booking services for travel including air tickets and hotels, through which consumers will be able to enjoy the scenery of the "love island" in person. Currently, JD.com is actively preparing to introduce cultural tourism resources of Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Latin America on its platform, increasing the extended value of e-commerce in promoting exchanges between China and the world.

Display cabinet with goods recommended by foreign envoys (Photo by Yang Bin)

"Welcome to purchase sapphire rings in JD.com's Sri Lanka National Pavilion," said H.E. Palitha Kohona, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China, who enthusiastically spoke about the "gem kingdom" during his speech, inviting Chinese consumers to learn about the specialty products of Sri Lanka. Ondrej Placek, Agricultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in China, recommended Czech beer, honey cake, Bohemian crystal glass and other exquisite crafts. Bekboev Daniiar, Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in China, recommended a number of purely natural, pollution-free, and additive-free foods from his country, such as honey and dried fruits. Budi Hansyah, Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in China, highly recognized the value of JD.com's national pavilions in enhancing the recognition of local brands in China's market. Molatelo Enos Mamadi, Agricultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in China, also expressed eagerness to strengthen the cooperation with JD.com's national pavilions, showcasing the diverse characteristics, culture and customs of South Africa.

Many envoys expressed their confidence in the immense consumption potential of China's market. Morten Kruse, Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark in China, expressed delight in witnessing the growing popularity of many well-known Danish toy and food brands he has been familiar with since childhood among Chinese consumers. In the future, he looks forward to more Danish small and medium-sized brands and new brands entering China's segmented market.

As the Belt and Road Initiative further develops, the "Silk Road e-commerce" is also thriving. On JD.com, in addition to the commonly seen imported products from regions such as Europe, America, Japan, and South Korea, there are also an increasing number of high-quality products from ASEAN, Central Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, Africa and other regions, which entered China's market in a massive, quick, and efficient way and at lower costs, attracting Chinese consumers.

H. E. Moin ul Haque, Pakistani Ambassador to China, highly praised the positive role of JD.com's national pavilions in promoting the trade exchanges between China and Pakistan. Shalkarbayev Askar, Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in China, was amazed that 80 percent of products were sold out within one hour of the opening of JD.com's Kazakhstan National Pavilion, showcasing the enthusiasm of Chinese consumers. At present, the embassy is promoting the export of 135 non-raw material commodities to China. It looks forward to working with Chinese partners to advance the development of the "Digital Silk Road".

(Source: CRI Online)