(Yicai Global) Aug 1 -- China has received its first charter flight of businesspeople coming to the country since the resurgence of Covid-19 infections this year and the expected final destination for the merchants is Yiwu's massive market of small commodities.

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport has welcomed the charter flight from Pakistan, carrying 163 passengers. After the required quarantine, the first stop for the foreign trade professionals is Yiwu Small Commodity Market, known as the world’s small commodity capital.

China is seeking to reignite exporting amid its Covid Zero strategy. A week ago, the first 2022 charter flight of sellers of Chinese goods left Ningbo for Budapest, Hungary, to strike new deals.

The Yiwu Market is important for small and medium-sized manufacturers of toys, textiles, and electronics looking to expand their horizons. Before the pandemic, more than 560,000 foreign merchants visited Yiwu to purchase commodities every year.

"This time I’m going to visit the Yiwu market thoroughly for more information on new products and suppliers," Harry, a foreign businessman, said to Yicai Global. He was planning to fill a few containers.

Harry said he used to come to Yiwu three or four times a year to procure electric appliances and hardware products. The annual purchase volume was about 50 containers, he said. But the pandemic changed that.

Asif, who has been working in foreign trade in Yiwu for 25 years, was carrying a shopping list of items. "The orders received from customers have filled almost eight to nine containers," he said, and planned to take some photos of samples to send to his clients.

Zhejiang province, China's second-largest province for exports, has been working on improving its foreign trade environment this year. Since April, the eastern province, which has cities such as Hangzhou and Ningbo, has created new models to facilitate business negotiations, exhibitions, and traveling.

Zhejiang, which has passenger flights to Hong Kong and Europe, is aiming to increase its charter flights. Foreign merchants from countries including Pakistan, India, and South Korea are expected to take charter flights to the province for trade and procurement by mid-August.

Local enterprises are actively exploring international markets, said a person in charge of the foreign trade office at the regional commerce department. Foreign merchants also have a strong demand for charter flights. Next, Zhejiang will optimize its border facilitation service and strive to provide comprehensive guarantees in terms of flights, passports, and visas, the official added.

Editor: Emmi Laine, Xiao Yi