China invites Sri Lanka to hold trade fair, biz forum in Kunming

The Yunnan Province of China has invited Sri Lanka to participate at the 4th South Asian Countries Trade Fair and a Business Forum scheduled to be held in June this year.

This was revealed by Rishad Bathiudeen Minster of Industry and Commerce at a meeting held at his Ministry yesterday with Government Officials and Members from the business community to kick off the preparatory work on Sri Lanka’s participation at this important Trade Fair and the Business Forum.

The Minister highlighted the excellent relationship between Sri Lanka and China and said it had been further consolidated by frequent promotional activities carried out by the government of both countries.

The export turnover from Sri Lanka to China increased last two years significantly from US $ 59 million in 2009 and US$ 80 million in 2010. The most important feature of Sri Lanka exports to China is that out 50 Asian Countries Sri Lanka is among the eight countries that have been able to make a remarkable growth of exports to China.

The South Asian Countries Trade Fair (SACTF) is an annual trade fair organised parallel to the China Import and Export Fair known as the Kunming Fair and it is exclusively limited only for South Asian region countries. In addition a three day Business Forum is also organised to coincide with the Trade Fair. Sri Lanka has actively participated in this fair and was able to show very positive results.  Last year the Sri Lanka pavilion won the best country pavilion award at the SACTF.  This year Sri Lanka expects to take, over a hundred Sri Lankan exporters to this prestigious event. 4th South Asian Countries’ Trade Fair organised by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the People’s Government of Yunnan Province at the Kunming International Convention & Exhibition Centre in Kunming City will be from 6 - 10 June 2011 and the Business Forum will be held from 5 - 7 June 2011 in Kunming.

While appreciating the support extended by the Chinese government for the social and economical development of Sri Lanka, the Minister also said that the organisers have offered free 100 display stalls with fixtures and fitting  and selection of exhibitors will be done by a panel selected by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board.

The Minister  appointed a committee consisting officials from the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Department of Commerce, National Gem and Jewellery Authority, Sri  Lanka Tourist, representatives/members of leading trade Chambers,  and Macky Hassim. The Department of Commerce will do overall coordination with the Sri Lanka Embassy in China.

In view of the importance of the Chinese market, the conducive environment for lucrative trade between the two counties and the relationship both countries enjoyed for centuries, the Minister requested all the parties concerned to make a successful trade fair participation and a business forum to enhance our trade with China and to develop tourism by promoting the Sri Lankan image.  Sri Lanka will target a few sectors such as Gems and Jewellery, Tea, Rubber Products, Coir Products and Garments. Special attention will also be paid to the SME sector as well.