Editor's Note: Xu Yi is a CGTN reporter. The article reflects the author's views, and not necessarily those of CGTN.

The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) wraps up in Shanghai this week, breaking more records with the scale and the value of intended trade to connect different countries. Every year, the national pavilion at the CIIE is a global trade event but also a dialogue of civilizations across mountains and oceans.

At the Hall of the National Exhibition and Convention Center, 67 countries and international organizations, each with its unique cultural DNA, have collectively woven a vibrant picture of diversity and coexistence - Kyrgyzstan, a first-time participant at the national pavilion, tells the world stories of the grassland Silk Road through its intangible cultural heritage. The booth, designed with Kyrgyzstan's iconic red dome as a key element, showcased a range of specialty products such as honey, jam, wool and sheepskin products, and herbal handmade soaps. Located at a critical juncture of the ancient Silk Road, Kyrgyzstan serves as an important corridor connecting Eurasia. Kyrgyzstan placed great importance on its participation in this year's CIIE, viewing it as a key platform to showcase its national image and expand agricultural exports.

"The China International Import Expo plays a key role in strengthening the economic partnership between our two countries," said Tilek Zhumaliev, deputy director of the Export Development and Promotion Center from Kyrgyz Export. " Each year, participation in CIIE helps Kyrgyz businesses build new partnerships, attract investment, and better understand the Chinese market. It also allows both governments and private sectors to explore new areas of cooperation in logistics, manufacturing, and e-commerce."

According to the official data, since the beginning of this year, over 3,500 new companies registered in Kyrgyzstan have engaged in business with China, injecting new momentum into bilateral economic and trade exchanges and deepening cultural interactions between the two nations. Through the bridge of culture, the CIIE is turning differences into reasons to illuminate one another. The world is not only witnessing the vast Chinese market but also feeling a civilizational attitude that respects diversity and advocates shared prosperity.

In recent years, the economic relations between Kyrgyzstan and China have reached a new level of partnership and mutual benefit. China has become one of Kyrgyzstan's largest trading partners and investors, and the cooperation continues to grow steadily across multiple sectors — from infrastructure and logistics to trade in agricultural and textile products.

Zhumaliev also highlighted that Kyrgyzstan sees the relationship with China not only in numbers, but in the real projects that connect the two countries — such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, and the increasing participation of Kyrgyz companies in Chinese exhibitions. "What is especially encouraging is that both sides share a strong commitment to openness, innovation, and long-term friendship. This creates a solid foundation for expanding our bilateral trade and deepening industrial cooperation in the years ahead."

(Cover via VCG)