The ninth China-South Asia Expo is in full swing in southwest China's Kunming City of Yunnan Province, serving as an essential platform for economic exchange between China and its regional partners.

This year's event runs from June 19 to 24 under the theme "Solidarity and Coordination for Common Development." It has attracted over 1,400 companies from 54 countries and regions, with Sri Lanka as the theme country and Thailand as the special partner nation.
Sri Lanka has come ready to impress, showcasing some of its most iconic exports. Among them, the country's world-renowned Ceylon tea is a major draw, attracting visitors with every pour.

"We produce around 280 million kilos (of tea) in Sri Lanka. From there, we have seven regions which have very different significant tastes. We are learning the culture, especially the preferences of the Chinese people, which is very important, and we are improving, and we get to know what exactly your taste palate is," said Mahasen Pavithra Weerakoon, an exhibitor from Sri Lanka.

While long-time partners are bringing products tailored to Chinese consumers, new participants at the expo are excited about fresh opportunities.

"We are exporting our beverage and juice products to more than 40 countries. But now we are very much interested in exporting our green mangoes to China, because the collaboration between China and Bangladesh is very good," said Md. Maruf Ahmed, an exhibitor from Bangladesh.
Trade between China and South Asian countries has seen remarkable growth. In 2024, bilateral trade neared 200 billion U.S. dollars — doubling over the past decade, with an average annual growth rate of around 6.3 percent.

"There are a lot of opportunities to invest in Bangladesh. You have the opportunity to invest in agriculture and other industrial and economic sectors, including the RMG sector. So we hope that in the future, the collaboration between China and Bangladesh will be even stronger and more friendly in the days to come," said Mohammad Foyshol Azad, chairman of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh.

This year's expo features 11 specialized pavilions focusing on green energy, advanced manufacturing, traditional Chinese medicine, and the coffee industry. These themed areas account for nearly 70 percent of the total exhibition space, highlighting a shift towards specialization and professionalism.

The expo attendants commented the show as offering a glimpse into a more connected future built on shared growth and mutual understanding.