The 10-carat unheated Kashmir sapphire showcased by a Pakistani jewelry company has drawn attention of connoisseurs and collectors from all over the world at the ongoing third China International Import Expo being held in Shanghai. “We are very pleased to present the rare and precious gemstones from Pakistan,” said Dr. Aqeel Ahmed, founder and CEO of Winza who displayed the Kashmir sapphire and popular emeralds from Swat at the diamond and gems pavilion during the ongoing expo. He informed the Swat valley emerald, one of the earliest discovered emeralds in the world were exhibited first time at the exhibition. Its history closely linked to the Silk Road and with its unique color and connotation, it was recognized by more and more consumers and its price showed a steady upward growth, becoming a shining star in the family of colored gemstone. As a jewelry family business, Winza has a vertically integrated business model from mining, grading, cutting and polishing to jewelry manufacturing. Therefore, Winza as a Pakistani jewelry brand with gemstone from Pakistan was very optimistic about the development potential of Swat emeralds in the Chinese market, Dr Aqeel Ahmed, who is running his business in Shanghai for the last 10 years, told APP on telephone. According to organizer of the diamond and gems pavilion at the expo, a total of 189 enterprises from 33 countries and regions including 13 Pakistani enterprises specialized in jewellery design and manufacturing, cross-border trade, freight transportation, furniture, artistic handicrafts are taking part in the jewelry exhibition. The exhibitors are promoting new ruby, sapphire, emerald, pearl, jade, amber products and other rare treasures at the exhibition. Among all the exhibits, stunning gems and jewellery from Pakistan became a big hit with the Chinese buyers. The ongoing CIIE will be held till November 10. Pakistani exhibitors are expected to return from a fruitful journey. With Pakistan’s exports to China rise via China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)’s progress, more Chinese people will fall in love with the soul-stirring beauty of Pakistani jewellery. Separately, Pakistan Ambassador to China, Moin ul Haque has praised the important work carried out by Xinjiang Production and Construction Corporation (XPCC) enterprises on various infrastructure projects in Pakistan. He made these remarks in his keynote speech at the XPCC investment and trade cooperation forum on the side-lines of the Third China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, according a statement issued by Pakistan Embassy Beijing. He said deep cultural linkages between people of Xinjiang and the bordering areas of Pakistan were rooted in centuries of interaction along the ancient silk routes. Through the visionary Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the two sided people had come even closer on the road to forging a community of shared future. “This enhanced connectivity – together with the second phase of the Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement – provides an enabling environment for ever more trade and investment links,” he added. While appreciating XPCC’s contribution to the economic and social development of China and Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), he said through these efforts, people from all walks of life and from various groups were able to enjoy peace and harmony, and played their role in the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The convening of the Third CIIE was another important milestone in China’s economic recovery following the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, and sent an unmistakeable signal of China’s continuing reform and opening up, and willingness to share the fruits of its developments with overseas partners. Pakistan opposed interference in China’s internal affairs, including in Xinjiang, and was aware and supportive of the Xinjiang people and government’s efforts against poverty and extremism. “The right to dignity and safety is a fundamental one. We are happy to see people of all ethnic groups enjoying equal rights in Xinjiang and leading happy lives as productive members of society,” he added. He assured that Embassy would continue to work with XPCC on a range of proposals to deepen and expand business and commercial linkages. At the event, the Ambassador, officials of relevant Chinese ministries and commission, representatives of relevant national business associations and entrepreneurs witnessed the signing ceremony of B2B agreements including between an enterprise from Pakistan and XPCC.