Accelerating cooperation and development with China

The 4th China South Asia Exposition was declared opened parallel to the 24th Kunming Import and Export Commodities Fair known as the Kunming Fair at the Kunming Dianchi International Convention & Exhibition Centre (KDICEC). This much demanded event was organised by the Yunnan International Exposition Bureau, Yunnan Province from 12-17 June.

The exposition, themed ‘Accelerating Cooperation and Development between China and South Asia and Southeast Asia,’ establishes a platform for China and South/Southeast Asian countries to enhance their trade and cultural ties.

Yunnan Province

Yunnan is a province of the People’s Republic of China, located in the far southwest of the country. It spans approximately 394,000 square kilometres (152,000 sq.mt.) and has a population of 45.7 million (2009). The capital of the province is Kunming. It is rich with natural landscape situated in a mountainous area, with high elevations in the northwest and low elevations in the southeast.

Yunnan is rich in natural resources and has the largest diversity of plant life in China. It is a home town for spices and medical herbs. Yunnan’s reserves of aluminium, lead, zinc and tin are the largest in China, and there are also major reserves of copper and nickel.

State Minister of International Trade Sujeewa Senasinghe led the Sri Lanka business delegation of more than 300 representatives from 127 private sector and six Government sector organisations to the 4th China South Asia Expo (CSAE) 2016 held in Kunming, China. 

Sri Lankan companies showcased in 136 booths, a broad spectrum of products including gem and jewellery, tea, coconut products, spices, organic products, handcrafts, batik and ceramic products at the Expo.

In addition, six State sector organisations including Export Development Board, BOI, NGJA, Sri Lanka Tea Board, Laksala, and SriLankan Airlines organised information counters at the country pavilion. The NGJA conducted a gem testing facility providing a free of cost service for the benefit of buyers of gem and jewellery products. Senasinghe unveiled the Lanka Pavilion on 12 June. The Sri Lankan Ambassador in Beijing Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku, the Chairperson and Chief Executive of Export Development Board Indira Malwatte, officials, representatives and large gathering were present at the event.

Many Sri Lankan business representatives commended the vital role played by the EDB in organising the Sri Lankan delegation in a very successful manner despite the slowdown in general in the Chinese market. 

S N K International Ltd. – R.S.K. Iddamalgoda

“We are a regular participant at this exhibition from its inception in 2009. This event helps us to touch the Chinese market and to increase our sales and contacts in this market. I would like to mention that the EDB has given us a superb opportunity especially for Sri Lankan SME gems and jewellery sector companies to enter Chinese market. Although the sales are slow this year our Chinese counterpart mentioned the sales will pick up from next year. We have to continue our presence to consolidate our sales when the market improves.”

Neelakala Batik – Badra Manel

“This exhibition provided us opportunity to enter into international markets. We participated in this exhibition from 2009. Each year we had good sales. We as a SME company improved our designs and quality to suit the needs of the Chinese consumers. This year we managed to find a Chinese company who wishes to enter into an MOU to buy our batik wall hangings. We wish to participate at this exhibition next year as well.”

Lions Management Ltd. – Shiran Gunawardena

“This is our second time participation. We have very positive response from not only Chinese buyers but also from other Asian countries. We had good sales during the exhibition period. We could find a buyer from Pakistan for our product and also a positive inquiry from a Taiwan buyer. We were even able to grab some large buyers whom we are currently negotiating with. Not only the attempt of EDB help us to promote our brand but also this will help to promote Ceylon Tea to the world. We thank EDB in providing this opportunity for us to enter into the international market from being only a manufacturer. We seek the support from the EDB to translate our inquiries into commercial orders.”

China South Asia Business Forum

On the sidelines of the exhibition, the China South Asia Business Forum, China South Asia Tourism Cooperation Forum, and China South Asia Investment Forum were held in parallel. A powerful speech was delivered by Senasinghe at the opening ceremony. 

The two fairs, co-organised by the Chinese Ministry of Trade and the Yunnan Province, attracted 4,000 enterprises from 80 countries and territories in South Asia and Southeast Asia and more than 8,000 booths.

A special feature this year for Sri Lanka is the Promotional Conference and the China Sri Lanka B2B Meeting Program organised by the CCPIT Yunnan Sub Council and the China Chamber of International Commerce together with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board at the Whyndham Hotel on 12 June.

The State Minister of International Trade made the keynote address whilst BOI Chairman Upul Jayasuriya addressed on the Investment possibilities and EDB Chairperson and CEO Indira Malwatte on the export opportunities. This event provided an opportunity for Sri Lanka to create awareness among the Chinese enterprises about Sri Lankan products such as Ceylon Tea, Sri Lankan handicraft, Sri Lankan gems and jewellery, based on the presentations made by senior state officials. 

The CCIPT officials presented on the intents of Chinese businessmen in doing businesses with Sri Lanka and that the exchange of trade delegations on a regular basis with enhancing the business relationships.