9th China-South Asia Expo Kicks Off in Yunnan with Sri Lanka as Theme Country

The five-day event will run until June 24, under the theme “Working Together for Harmony, Cooperation, and Development.”

This year’s expo underscores China’s commitment to enhancing regional cooperation, with a strong focus on economic integration, peace, and sustainable development.

Highlighting this commitment, the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China delivered a keynote speech, stating that China is ready to collaborate with neighboring nations to build five essential pillars: peace, tranquility, prosperity, beauty, and friendship.

Sri Lanka has been honored as the theme country for this edition of the expo. Representing the Sri Lankan government, Minister of State for Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Vasantha Samarasinghe, is leading a high-level delegation. The Sri Lankan contingent includes around 100 entrepreneurs, showcasing the island nation’s growing role in regional trade and investment.

 "China is a great market for us. We've brought products ranging from wood carvings and tea to various ornaments," said Arun Hemachandra, Sri Lanka's deputy minister of foreign affairs and foreign employment. 
 "There's a new government in Sri Lanka now, and we are supporting small startups to enter the international arena. Many of the exhibitors here are attending for the first time. It's a great opportunity for us.
 Across the expansive expo pavilions, exhibitors from the region are engaging in business matchmaking, showcasing their products and exploring new partnerships.
 Alimuzzaman, an exhibitor from Bangladesh, is attending the event for the first time.  
 "We are selling high-quality yarns and twines. My expectations are high. I think we'll get a lot of buyers from people who understand our quality and the size of our company,"

The expo highlights several key sectors crucial to the future of regional cooperation, including high-end manufacturing, clean energy, and modern agriculture. Exhibitors and investors from across South Asia and beyond are using the platform to explore opportunities for cross-border partnerships and innovation.

China reiterated its willingness to align its development goals with those of South Asian countries, aiming to build long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships. With strong representation from Sri Lanka and other South Asian nations, the expo serves as a dynamic platform for dialogue, trade promotion, and regional connectivity.