The 8th China -South Asia Expo and the 28th China Kunming Import and Export Fair which was co -hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the People’s Government of Yunnan province together with the Commercial Authorities of the South Asian countries was held from 23rd to 28th of July, 2024 in Kunming. The Expo was attended by high level dignitaries, official delegations and business delegations from South Asian and South East Asian countries.

Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka was the chief guest of the 8th China -South Asia Expo. Sri Lanka Pavilion was represented by 106 companies covering diverse products such as Ceylon Tea, Gems and Jewellery, Coconut kernal products & Cocopeat, Handicrafts, Batiks, Wellness products, processed food and confectionary.

This year's theme of the event is "Solidarity and Coordination for Common Development". The Expo featured 15 pavilions including Science and Technology, Manufacturing, Green Energy, Modern Agricultural, Domestic Cooperation, Overseas Pavilion, South Asia Pavilion etc. representing over 2000 exhibitors. 

Parallel to the Expo, many forums were organized with great interaction with the participation from the South Asian Countries. Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security, Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing represented Sri Lanka delivering Country speeches at these events.  China South Asia Cooperation Forum, Digital Co-operation Initiative Matchmaking Conference, Seminar between Chinese and South Asian Governments, Industries, Universities and Research Institutions, Tea Festival of South Asian Countries, Online and Offline Commodity Promotion, Seminar on Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Promotion are represented by Sri Lanka.

China -South Asian Expo has become a platform for mutual beneficial cooperation on diverse sectors such as trade & investment, culture, education, and people to people friendship. Sri Lankan companies including SMEs were received an opportunity for understand Chinese market and the current trend and development to focus the business expansion to Chinese market.

The recently launched ‘Trade Up Sri Lanka” SME sector development programme by the Ministry of Trade Commerce and Food Security together with the Department of Commerce will focus on the China market in future to find more business opportunities for the emerging SME entrepreneurs.

The Ministry of Commerce of the Peoples’ Republic of China and the Department of Commerce of Yunnan Province reassured the support to be extended to the development of the bi-lateral trade between two countries including the SME sector development of Sri Lanka.

The business delegation was organized by the Ministry of Trade Commerce and Food Security together with the Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka with support of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing. Mr A M P M B Atapattu, Secretary to the Ministry of Trade Commerce and Food Security led the business delegation of Sri Lanka. International Finance Corporation (IFC) and CHEC Port City Colombo (Private) Limited supported to the succession of the event and the investment opportunities in the Colombo Port City were promoted throughout the event.

Ministry of Trade, Commerce & Food Security
06.08.2024

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the United States, in collaboration with the International Club of DC, hosted a vibrant evening reception on 6th September 2024 at the Embassy premises in Washington D.C., promoting Sri Lanka as a key tourist and investment destination among US nationals during the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere. Members of the Club and special invitees attended the event.
 
Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe, in his speech, welcomed the guests and invited them to enjoy the various attractions that Sri Lanka has to offer visitors. He went on to point out that the food, music, dances on display during the evening showcases the vibrant diversity that is Sri Lanka. The Ambassador adverted to the country’s multicultural, multilingual, multi-religious and multi-ethnic character, and its over 2,500 year history compared to the 245 years of US history and added that its unique geographical features and wildlife provides tourists with a rich and memorable experience. The Ambassador stated that Sri Lanka and the United States has developed strong bilateral relations that predates official Diplomatic relations established in 1948, and that the current levels of assistance and friendship were at a high point.
  
The Embassy showcased tourist attractions of the country with a photographic exhibition whilst screening tourist-oriented videos portraying pristine beaches, green mountain landscapes, and highlighting Sri Lanka tourism ranging from adventure and wellness to wildlife and ancient cultural attractions.
 
A cultural recital showcased the talents of “Serendib Dance Troupe” captivating the attendees. Dances of both up-country and low-country styles that depicted Sri Lanka’s rich traditional dance heritage were performed. The talents of the troupe of "Ceylon Bera" enthralled the crowd with the rhythms of Sri Lanka accompanied by instrumental music. A Bharathanatyam and Moksha dance performance representing the culture of the Tamil community performed by Achila Perera emphasizing the vibrant diversity of Sri Lankan culture.

The Embassy made special arrangements for saxophonist D. I. Senarathne to perform live music while Sri Lankan singer Sanjaya Nivunhella sang live Sri Lankan songs at the event adding further flavor.

Attendees were treated to a sumptuous dinner buffet of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine enriched with the flavours of Ceylon spices prepared by a Sri Lankan chef with a live station, serving different types of fresh hoppers which was extremely popular. 

VoyagX Tour Blue USA, owned by a Sri Lankan-American offered tourism packages, which caught the interest and attention of the visitors who were excited to explore the possibilities of visiting Sri Lanka.

The Embassy made arrangements to serve all the visitors a sampling of freshly brewed hot and iced Ceylon tea sponsored by Basilur (Sri Lanka) and QTrade Teas & Herbs (California, USA) at a specially set up tea corner that enabled the visitors to enjoy different types of tea.  

In his vote of thanks, the President of the International Club of DC Sanjaya Hettihewa thanked the Ambassador and staff for joining hands with their organization. The International Club of DC offers international cultural experiences including art, music, dance, and theatre as well as the opportunity to sample culinary delicacies from around the world with their diverse membership of over 47,000 professionals representing over 90 countries and partner with over 80 embassies in Washington DC to present concerts, festivals, galas, and receptions.  

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington D.C.

09th September 2024