New Ground
A Chinese entrepreneur explores business opportunities in Middle Eastern countries By Jiang Wandi
With the focus on the turmoil in Syria, few are concerned about whether business in the once prosperous but now war-torn country is still ongoing. Li Jianwei, a businessman from China, set out to answer this question. Engaged in business with Middle Eastern countries for many years, Li, who speaks fluent English and Arabic, now sells Aleppo’s famous olive soap in China.
In high demand
Located between the Euphrates River and the Mediterranean, Aleppo, the second largest city in Syria, was famous for its industry and commerce. During the Ottoman Empire period (1299-1922), it was once the largest trading center in the Near East.
Among the numerous locally produced industrial and agricultural products, Aleppo’s handmade olive soap is world-famous for the quality of the materials used and the excellent workmanship. Li came across the soap while doing business in the Middle East, and thought of importing it to China.
“I started importing Aleppo olive soap two years ago. Since I often visit the Middle East, I have used it frequently, and local friends also present the soap to me,” said Li. “The olive soap is made of purely natural ingredients without any chemical additives, artificial essences or coloring agents. I feel the soap is very good for moisturizing.”
Li is confident the soap will be in high demand in China. According to him, China’s cosmetics market is growing rapidly, and there is strong demand for different kinds of products in different price ranges. Moreover, it has become a trend for consumers to buy quality natural products. Imported handmade olive soap is a little more expensive than other soaps, but will be well received by young consumers, Li said.
In recent years, olive soap has become increasingly popular with Chinese consumers, and some are even collecting old olive soap. Li sells the soap under the brand of Al Andalus through his online shops and it has been well accepted. Now he is preparing to sell it through Wal-Mart shops.
However, Li has found that counterfeit and inferior Aleppo soap has emerged in the market, stimulated by the huge demand. He has collected many pieces of the fake soap to warn consumers.
Li said olive soap can be found in many Middle Eastern countries that he visits, but he imports soap produced in Syria only.