Representatives from governments and business sectors in Yiwu, East China's Zhejiang province, and Karachi, Pakistan attend an online workshop on March 31. [Photo from Yiwu foreign affairs office]

Yiwu in East China's Zhejiang province, known as the world's largest small commodities supermarket, will work with Pakistan's bustling port city of Karachi to further promote economic exchange and cooperation between the two cities, according to an online workshop on March 31.

The Yiwu-Karachi workshop, attended by representatives from governments and business sectors on both sides, was aimed at bringing companies and market players in the two cities closer and reinforcing economic links between Yiwu and Karachi.

Li Bijian, China's consul-general in Karachi, noted that there is huge potential for economic cooperation between the cities. He expressed hope that more quality goods from Pakistan will enter the Chinese market and more Chinese investment will flow to Pakistan.

Hussain Haider, consul-general of Pakistan in Shanghai, said the workshop reflected determination on both sides to strengthen trade and investment ties. He said he believed that stronger relations will be established between companies in Yiwu and Karachi, which will strengthen overall economic ties between the two countries. The diplomat pledged that the consulate will provide comprehensive support and services to reach this goal.

Pakistan is one of Yiwu's most important trade partners, according to Ye Bangrui, mayor of the city in Zhejiang. He noted that in 2021, trade between Yiwu and Pakistan was valued at nearly $600 million.

He also said that Yiwu is looking forward to cooperating with Karachi in sectors such as e-commerce, logistics, and cultural exchanges.

Business representatives discussed cooperation possibilities at the workshop as well.