Exquisite Japanese teapots prove a hit at CIIE

A selection of Japanese cast-iron teapots recently took pride of place among premier-quality products on show at the 4th China International Import Expo, or CIIE – held in East China's Shanghai city on Nov 5-10 – captivating visitors with their sophisticated and timeless designs.

Japanese teapots prove to be a hit at the recent CIIE. [Photo/Pudong Times]

The teapots were displayed in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Country (Regional) Central Exhibition Pavilion, set up by the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Imported Goods Direct Sales Center. 

The pavilion showcased representative food products from 30 countries along the Belt and Road route – including Syria, Russia, Japan and South Korea. There were also another 450 or so examples on show of premium daily necessities products. 

The teapots were made by Japanese artisan Arai Mikio who was absent due to the COVID-19 epidemic. It is understood that he sent his thanks for the help provided by the Waigaoqiao International Trade Operations Center to promote his work. 

Elsewhere on display was an automatic machine making exotic Kopi Luwak coffee, also known as civet palm coffee, from the small South East Asian island nation of East Timor. It is one of the most expensive coffees in the world. 

East Timor – or Timor-Leste, which is adjacent to Indonesia's West Timor – has been an active participant at the expo since 2018 and has become a member of the (Shanghai) Pilot FTZ Country (Regional) Center. 

The manager of its stand said this year East Timor brought 90 percent of its specialty coffee varieties to the Chinese market. Plans are for the producers to try out e-commerce channels to expand their sales.