SHANTOU: In an effort to strengthen economic and trade cooperation, Sardar Muhammad, Consul of the Pakistani Consulate in Guangzhou, visited Chenghai, Shantou last week and held meetings with representatives from the local toy industry. This visit is viewed as a direct follow-up to a Chinese delegation’s tour of Pakistan in August and highlights the deepening bilateral engagement in the toy sector.
During his visit, the Consul toured major toy enterprises, including Guangdong Hongteng Business Exhibition Co., Ltd., and Shantou Haiyang Toy Trading Co., Ltd. He also met with Huang Yixian, President of the Shantou Chenghai Toy Association, to discuss strengthening trade relations and promoting industrial collaboration.
The exchange highlights the evolving dynamics of the global toy trade, with China maintaining its position as the world’s leading manufacturer, while Pakistan emerges as both a growing market and a traditional manufacturing hub striving to revitalize its local industry.
“Pakistan offers considerable opportunities due to its youthful demographic and strategic location,” Consul Muhammad remarked during the meetings, emphasizing the complementary strengths of the toy industries in both countries.
The Chinese delegation’s visit to Pakistan in August included meetings with the All Pakistan Toy Association and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The team conducted extensive market research in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, identifying distinct regional characteristics and a growing demand for educational toys in Pakistan.
According to the Shantou Chenghai Toy Association, Lahore’s market is oriented toward mid- to low-end products with high price sensitivity, while Islamabad offers a broader product range that appeals to diverse consumer segments. Demand for educational and smart toys is steadily increasing, with wholesale channels continuing to dominate—information that will help Chinese companies tailor their market strategies.
The two parties have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen trade relations and cultural exchanges. Pakistani companies are expected to participate in the upcoming 24th Shantou Chenghai International Toy & Gift Fair in October. –Agencies
