Sri Lanka to strengthen trade ties as honoured partner at major China-ASEAN trade event

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July 24, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is set to take on a prominent role at one of Asia’s most significant trade gatherings, having been invited as the Special Partner Country for the upcoming 22nd China–ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), to be held from September 17 to 21 in Nanning, the capital of China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

The invitation, confirmed by the event’s organising secretariat, signals growing recognition of Sri Lanka’s strategic position and deepening involvement in regional economic networks. The Expo, which attracts a broad mix of businesses, investors, and policymakers from across Asia and beyond, is designed to bolster regional cooperation and stimulate cross-border trade and investment.

A high-level Sri Lankan delegation, comprising senior government representatives and top-level diplomats, is expected to lead the country’s engagement at the event. Joining them will be a range of influential businesses from key sectors, including logistics, ports, agriculture, and spices—industries in which Sri Lanka has traditionally played a leading role in the South Asian region.

As part of its participation, Sri Lanka will organise a comprehensive promotional programme, including a dedicated national pavilion, a trade showcase of Sri Lankan products, and a cultural and investment-focused presentation aimed at enhancing the country’s image abroad. The national exhibit will spotlight the island’s strengths in trade, tourism, and export industries, as well as highlight investment opportunities for foreign partners.

The Special Partner Country initiative, first introduced at the 11th edition of CAEXPO, extends invitations to select member states of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and countries involved in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

The initiative is intended to foster broader economic collaboration between ASEAN countries, China, and the wider region. Sri Lanka last held this position during the 13th CAEXPO, and its return as a featured partner underscores its continuing relevance in regional economic dialogues.

Economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and China has seen notable progress in recent years, particularly in infrastructure development, renewable energy, port expansion, and logistics. Chinese investment has played a crucial role in several landmark Sri Lankan projects, including those enhancing connectivity and trade capacity.

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