For Oswaldo Mamani, an artisan who creates toys from alpaca wool in the Peruvian Andes, boarding a plane for the first time to Shanghai was the realization of his dreams. "It all feels so unreal," he said, embarking on the 17,000-kilometer journey to the bustling Chinese metropolis.

Mamani hails from the secluded Amantani Island, cradled by the waters of Lake Titicaca. In this expansive yet simple environment, the alpaca, an emblem of Peru and akin to a family member for local artisans, thrives. Its wool is globally renowned for its warmth, softness, and durability.

Embracing his ancestors' legacy, Mamani has made alpaca wool crafting his livelihood.

Oswaldo Mamani, a Peruvian artisan, demonstrates alpaca wool toy crafting at a booth during the sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2023. [Photo by Dong Ning/China.org.cn]

The sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai marked an emotional milestone for Mamani and his wife, Gloria. Wearing the vibrant attire of their indigenous culture, they created miniature alpaca toys, captivating visitors with their traditional techniques and the charming "smiles" stitched on each toy.

Oswaldo Mamani and his wife craft alpaca wool toys at a booth during the sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2023. [Photo by Dong Ning/China.org.cn]

Mamani's relationship with China began unexpectedly in 2016 when a Chinese customer, Ma Yuxia, crossed paths with his wife, Gloria, and purchased two alpaca toys to take back to China as gifts for a client. To Ma's astonishment, the client was so impressed that they requested a thousand more. This fortunate turn of events brought Ma back to Mamani, sparking a partnership.

Oswaldo Mamani's wife displays a handmade alpaca wool toy at the sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2023. [Photo by Dong Ning/China.org.cn]

The Chinese market, with its vast appetite for unique and high-quality artisan goods, welcomed Mamani's alpaca toys with open arms. The toys quickly became a hit, prompting Ma Yuxia and her Peruvian associate, Ysabel Zea, to co-found "Warmpaca," a brand dedicated to sharing the cozy appeal of alpaca wool with Chinese consumers.

At the inaugural CIIE in 2018, Ma Yuxia registered to participate in the exhibition. The small alpaca toys quickly gained popularity and garnered numerous orders. They continued to participate in the subsequent five editions of the CIIE, including this year's sixth, where Mamani himself also came to Shanghai.

Visitors purchase alpaca wool toys at the sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2023. [Photo by Wang Yiming/China.org.cn]

"The most obvious changes these orders brought to the local people are more work for them and their families. This means more income to sustain their way of living and also to improve their quality of life," Ysabel Zea said. "Oswaldo Mamani, the first artisan who worked with us, started with very small orders. Over time, we assisted him and his family in refining their craft to meet our quality standards, and they became experts as more orders came to them."

Ma Yuxia also recounted the transformation she had witnessed: "When I first met them, they lived in a makeshift shack. Three years later, they have built a multi-story house and own a Toyota SUV." Now, more than 20 families and 400 individuals have joined the Mamanis in offering products for the Chinese market.

Oswaldo Mamani and his wife wave goodbye to visitors at the sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2023. [Photo by Wang Yiming/China.org.cn]

Ysabel Zea said, "China has opened its doors to everyone willing to offer diversity and well-designed goods. The Belt and Road Initiative has helped countries like mine establish strong commercial relationships with Chinese customers and given us the opportunity to compete at an international level."

From a modest 9-square-meter booth at the inaugural expo to a 36-square-meter display this year featuring over 200 product varieties, the story of "Warmpaca" exemplifies how the CIIE has become a bridge connecting artisans like Mamani with global trade opportunities, and that China's open market has provided a platform for artisans from around the world to fulfill their dreams and achieve shared prosperity.

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