In late April, Iranian entrepreneurs Hamed Hassannejad and his wife, Nastaran Rajabzadeh Samani, set off on a six-day odyssey from Tehran to Kunming, in the southwest of the Chinese mainland, to showcase homemade ceramics at the China-South Asia Expo.
Their route spanned multiple borders and conflict zones, turning a routine business trip into a test of endurance and determination. Despite arriving three days behind schedule, they remained optimistic about forging new partnerships.
Key journey stats:
- Duration: 6 days on the road
- Borders crossed: Iran, Pakistan, India, Myanmar, and entry into the Chinese mainland
- Delay: 3 days late due to roadblocks and visa hurdles
At their booth, the couple shared with CGTN how they navigated closed checkpoints, improvised vehicle repairs, and relied on local goodwill. 'Every obstacle reminded us why innovation matters—our ceramics carry stories of heritage, resilience, and hope,' Hamed reflected.
For many young entrepreneurs and global citizens, their journey highlights a larger trend in emerging markets: the power of grassroots innovation and cross-border collaboration. With over 2,000 exhibitors from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Chinese mainland, the expo offers a data-driven glimpse at shifting economic ties: South Asia–China trade volume rose 12% last year, creating fertile ground for small businesses.
As digital nomads and business enthusiasts follow these trends, stories like Hamed and Nastaran's remind us that the path to impact often involves unpredictable detours. Their adventure underscores the role of curiosity and courage in bridging cultures—and that sometimes, the longer route yields unexpected rewards.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
