Syrian entrepreneur Iyad has participated in the CIIE for five consecutive years since 2019, and he has been deeply impressed by China's development speed. Iyad said that he not only wants to speed up the entry of Syrian specialty products into the Chinese market, but also wants to introduce China's technological achievements in the field of new energy in Syria to benefit the people of his country.
Iyad is the chairman of the Syrian Olive Oil Corporation***, who first visited China in 1993. Since 2019, he has participated in the CIIE for five consecutive years, and has experienced first-hand China's rapid development.
Iyad, Chairman of Syrian Olive Oil Co., Ltd.: When I went to China in 2023, I saw a different world. I am deeply impressed by the incredible planning and development of China over the past few years.
In 2023, Iyad brought olive oil from Syria to the CIIE. Iyad said Syrian olive oil is well-known in the Middle East. Participating in the CIIE has allowed Chinese consumers to learn more about Syrian olive oil and become their customers.
Iyad, Chairman of Syrian Olive Oil Co., Ltd.: It is very important for us to enter the Chinese market, and the CIIE is one of the most important ways for us to enter the Chinese market. I was surprised that Chinese consumers asked me about the percentage of various ingredients in olive oil, fats or other components in them, which means that Chinese consumers are very aware of our products.
By participating in the CIIE to communicate directly with Chinese customers, Iyad also added Chinese ingredient lists and product information to the product packaging, and designed gift boxes. Now, he is preparing to participate in the 2024 CIIE and develop new products based on the culinary needs of Chinese users.
Chairman of Syrian Olive Oil Co., Ltd. *** Iyad: We infused it with essential oils extracted from Syrian green herbs and added a little to the olive oil. Now these are extra virgin olive oils with notes of basil, rosemary or tarragon. If it is used in Chinese cuisine, I believe that Chinese consumers will like it because the dishes will present new flavors.
In addition to olive oil, Iyad's trip to China drew his attention to the rapid development of new energy vehicles in China. He hopes that one day China will be able to increase cooperation with Syria in the field of new energy vehicles.
Iyad, Chairman of Syrian Olive Oil Co., Ltd.: I think Syrian buses, electric buses, and electric transportation can also be the Chinese model. Now it's all coming from China, and we're working on a project to convert our factories to renewable energy, solar energy.
*Please specify CCTV Finance.
Editor: Wang Yifan.