A businessman at the Yiwu International Trade Market introduces his products online. [Photo/zgyww.cn]

Zhejiang China Commodities City Group hosted online matchmaking events for local merchants and Pakistani buyers on Aug 7.

The Pakistani buyers came to Yiwu via a passenger charter flight on July 30 – the first of its kind to bring international buyers to China and make purchases on-site.

Following COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control requirements due to the recent outbreak, they could only communicate with merchants in Yiwu online now.

During the online matchmaking meetings, five Pakistani buyers looking for great value-for-money products including accessories, bags, hardware, and scarves talked to various merchants at the Yiwu International Trade Market. The merchants were encouraged by the Yiwu commerce bureau to provide high-quality products.

The three-hour online event saw fruitful results as the value of intended orders by foreign participants exceeded 1 million yuan ($148,029) in total.

Officials from the local commerce bureau noted that more foreign merchants will be invited to make purchases in Yiwu in the near future.