Bhathiya Barukanda
A delegation from the Canton Fair Operations Department of China visited Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) on 30th August 2024 to scale up trade relationship between the two countries through participating at trade promotional events such as Canton Fair 2024.
China is the 10th export destination for Sri Lanka in 2023. The total export value from Sri Lanka to China was USD 258 Mn 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.
Realizing the existing potential in the Chinese market, a number of trade promotional activities are being organized 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 programmes such as China International Import Expo (CIIE), Shanghai, China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair (CISMEF) Guangzhou, Kunming Import & Export Fair and Canton Fair etc.
During the 2022 COVID-19 period, EDB has organized Sri Lanka participation at Canton Fair online. For April Edition there were 15 companies participated and for October Edition 40 Companies successfully participate and published 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 typically held on specific days each year during 15th October – 4th November 2024 in 3 phases. EDB was invited to organize Sri Lanka participation by the visiting delegation.
During the discussion, EDB assured to give wide publicity on the Canton Fair 2024 among the Sri Lankan exporter community for their individual participation and agreed to consider organizing Sri Lanka Pavilion at the 137th Canton Fair in 2025.
Mr. Liao Zhihao/Deputy Director, Mr. Zhang Chao/Deputy Director and Ms. Yang Yuyan/Staff member of Canton Fair Operation Department, China and Dr Kingsley Bernard, Chairman/CEO of the EDB and the EDB Officials participated at the discussion.
