The six-day international trade exhibition aims to strengthen regional trade and industrial cooperation, bringing together representatives from 68 countries, regions, and international organizations.
More than 560 companies from South Asian countries are participating in the event.
Over 1,500 professional buyers have registered for the expo, with more than 60 percent coming from 45 countries, including Germany, Brazil, and Egypt. The exhibition features 13 major pavilions covering a wide range of sectors, including green energy, services trade, manufacturing, and the coffee industry.
For the first time, the expo has introduced a dedicated Procurement Matching Centre, enabling direct connections between buyers and sellers. In addition, supply-demand matching programs, new product launches, and special forums involving government institutions, industry leaders, universities, and research organizations from China and South Asia are being held throughout the event.
While the opening day was reserved exclusively for business visitors and industry professionals, the remaining five days will be open to the general public.
Sri Lanka is making a strong presence at the expo, with more than 200 participants, including exporters and entrepreneurs.
The Department of Commerce, under the Ministry of Trade, has provided complimentary exhibition booths for Sri Lankan exporters, offering a valuable opportunity to promote Sri Lankan brands to international markets.
A dedicated pavilion for fisheries products has been introduced for the first time, while a special booth has also been allocated to SriLankan Airlines to promote tourism and attract new investment opportunities.
Sri Lanka's renowned Ceylon Black Tea has emerged as one of the most popular and attention-grabbing products at the exhibition.
Other key Sri Lankan exports being promoted include cinnamon, spices, gemstones, Ayurvedic products, food items, and apparel.
China currently stands as the largest trading partner of Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. Trade between China and South Asian countries exceeded US$200 billion in 2025, marking a 10.7 percent increase compared to the previous year.
The expo provides Sri Lankan businesses with direct access to the Chinese market—the world's second-largest import market—while creating opportunities to connect with buyers and expand exports. It also offers exposure to China's advanced technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence, digital innovation, green energy, and services trade.
Sri Lanka's Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, who is attending the event in Kunming, visited the Sri Lankan exhibition booths and highlighted the importance of promoting national brands, including the globally recognized Ceylon Tea brand, on the international stage.
