A delegation from the Canton Fair Operations Department of China visited Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) on August 30 to scale up trade relationship between the two countries through participating at trade promotional events such as Canton Fair 2024.
The delegation comprised Deputy Director Liao Zhihao, Deputy Director Zhang Chao and staff member of Canton Fair Operation Department, Ms. Yang Yuyan.
China was the 10th export destination for Sri Lanka in 2023. The total export value from Sri Lanka to China was USD 258Mn in 2023 and total imports from China to Sri Lanka for the same period was USD 3,090 mn. China has emerged as one of the key trading partners for Sri Lanka in the recent past.
Realising the potential in the Chinese market, a number of trade promotional activities are being organised by the EDB in China with a view to inviting Chinese importers and investors to explore the business opportunities in Sri Lanka.
The enthusiasm of the Sri Lankan companies to enter into the export market and to expand trade relations with their counterparts in China is evident through participation at the promotional programs such as China International Import Expo (CIIE), Shanghai, China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair (CISMEF) Guangzhou, Kunming Import & Export Fair and Canton Fair.
During the 2022 Covid-19 pandemic , EDB organised Sri Lanka’s participation at Canton Fair online. For the April edition 15 companies participated and for the October edition 40 Companies will participate and publish their profiles at the Canton Fair website.
The 136th Canton Fair will open in autumn 2024 at the Canton Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China. It is held on specific days each year from October 15 to November 4 in three phases. EDB was invited to organise Sri Lanka participation by the visiting delegation.
During the discussion, EDB officials assured to give wide publicity on the Canton Fair 2024 among the Sri Lankan exporter community for their individual participation and agreed to consider organising the Sri Lanka Pavilion at the 137th Canton Fair in 2025.
