Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

THE 21st China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) kicked off at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center in Bao’an District on Thursday. For the first time, the Shenzhen Municipal Foreign Affairs Office curated a special diplomatic gifts exhibition at the fair.

This unique addition to the fair allows visitors to experience the richness of global cultures while appreciating the warmth of diplomacy.

Located within the “Creative China” area in Hall 10, the “Global Gifts for Shenzhen” exhibition features 47 unique gifts. Each item offers a glimpse into the culture of the presenting country and serves as a tangible symbol of international friendship.

Among the notable gifts on display is a silver bowl presented by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Shenzhen in June 2024, the first stop of his visit to China. During his visit, Sharif expressed hope that more Shenzhen companies would invest in Pakistan, fostering mutually beneficial cooperation and elevating the relationship to new heights.

Another exquisite piece is a pottery carving gifted by Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez during her visit to Shenzhen in November 2024. Rodriguez indicated that Venezuela would actively implement the outcomes of President Nicolas Maduro’s visit to China.

She also expressed a desire to learn from China’s successful experiences in reform and opening up and the construction of special economic zones. She hoped to expand mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries to a higher level, bringing more benefits to the two peoples.

The exhibition also features a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee commemorative mug, reflecting Shenzhen’s friendly ties with the U.K. Shenzhen has established friendly ties with the City of London, Scotland, and the British Virgin Islands, with Shenzhen and Edinburgh becoming sister cities in May 2019.

These gifts are just a few examples of the diverse array of items on display, representing the 95 cities across 59 countries on five continents that have established friendly relations with Shenzhen.

Visitors to the ICIF are encouraged to explore the “Global Gifts for Shenzhen” exhibition and discover the stories behind these remarkable gifts, gaining a deeper understanding of the cultural connections that bind Shenzhen to the world.