Picture shows two Nepalese businessmen shows Buddha statues during a trade fair between China's Tibet Autonomous Region and Nepal at the Mt. Qomolangma Exhibition Center in Xigaze, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Sep. 3, 2009. Chinese and Nepalese businesses gathered in Xigaze City Thursday for a five-day trade fair that highlights Buddha statues, Tibetan medicine and other commodities from the Himalayan region. (Xinhua Photo)

Chinese and Nepalese businesses gathered in Xigaze City in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region Thursday for a five-day trade fair that highlights Buddha statues, Tibetan medicine and other commodities from the Himalayan region.

A total of 171 businesses from the two countries have set up booths at the fair, which opened Thursday morning at the Mt. Qomolangma Exhibition Center in Xigaze, at the foot of the world's tallest peak.

Most Nepalese businesses have brought traditional artwork, textile products and food, while Chinese companies are displaying herbs, art-ware and electrical appliances.

Nepalese businesswoman Meera Shakya posed for a photo at her booth, where a wide variety of handmade shawls, scarves, purses and ornaments were on display. "I'm confident these products will sell well in China," she said.

The trade fair is expected to further boost Nepal's trade relations and cultural exchanges with China, said Purushottam Ojha, secretary of the Nepalese Ministry of Commerce and Supplies, at the event's opening ceremony.