At the 9th China-South Asia Expo held in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, Afghan hand-woven carpets drew widespread attention for their vivid colors, intricate patterns, and refined craftsmanship.

Once a traditional export, these handmade treasures are now finding a strong foothold in China's booming consumer market.

The expo was held from June 19 to 24 with the participation of over 2,500 enterprises. For Afghan exhibitors, it offered a key opportunity to strengthen trade ties with China, a market showing growing interest in Afghan products.

"Interest in Afghan carpets among Chinese buyers is growing day by day," said Abdul Kabir, a veteran carpet trader in Kabul, standing among colorful piles of carpets in his shop. Kabir noted that Chinese consumers have come to appreciate the quality and unique charm of Afghan carpets.

Having participated in four international exhibitions in China in the past two months, Kabir has sold more than 3,000 square meters of carpet. He remains confident in the bright prospects. "We strive to produce high-quality goods and innovate every year," he said. "Our goal is to expand the Afghan carpet industry in China as much as possible."

Beyond private homes, Afghan carpets are also gaining popularity in Chinese restaurants. Kabir noted that several restaurant owners placed bulk orders after the exhibition, totaling over 1,500 square meters, all in similar styles but tailored to different room sizes.

Reflecting China's increased interest in boosting trade and cultural ties with Afghanistan, this year's expo offered comprehensive support to Afghan traders, including free transport of goods from the airport, tax exemptions, and complimentary exhibition booths.

Sulaiman, a young Afghan businessman with more than a decade of trading experience in China, sold 2,500 square meters of carpet at the event. "All services -- booth rental, goods transportation, customs fees -- were provided to us free of charge," he said. "We thank the Chinese government for offering such facilities to Afghan entrepreneurs."

Afghan officials echoed this optimism, identifying China as a key market for traditional Afghan products, such as hand-woven carpets, dried fruits, saffron, and pine nuts. By removing barriers to market entry and fostering trade ties, they hope to turn Chinese interest into long-term economic opportunities for Afghan artisans and producers.

"Today, China is among the countries that can meet all of Afghanistan's needs," said Abdul Latif Nazari, acting deputy minister of economy. "We are striving to ensure a strong presence of Afghan products -- such as fresh and dried fruits, saffron, pine nuts, and carpets -- at exhibitions in China."

Among the 88 booths at the expo showcasing Afghan goods, ranging from saffron and gemstones to handicrafts and dried fruits, hand-woven carpets stood out not only as a cultural symbol but also as a product increasingly in demand in China's dynamic market.