In a significant move to bolster its economic partnership with China amid rising global trade uncertainties, Sri Lanka will participate as a Special Partner Country at the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) from September 17–21 in Nanning, the capital of China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. This strategic engagement is expected to open new avenues for Sri Lanka’s exports and investments, especially vital as the country navigates the looming threat of increased U.S. tariffs on its exports.
The CAEXPO, one of Asia’s most influential trade platforms, brings together member nations of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to foster economic collaboration. As a returning Special Partner Country—having held the role in 2016 (13th CAEXPO)—Sri Lanka is set to take center stage with a dedicated national pavilion, a product exhibition, and a country promotion event to showcase its trade potential.
A high-level Sri Lankan delegation led by senior government and diplomatic officials will participate in the event. Major Sri Lankan enterprises involved in port logistics, agriculture, spices, and manufacturing are expected to engage in business matchmaking and investment discussions with Chinese and ASEAN counterparts.
The timing of this partnership is critical. With Sri Lanka seeking to diversify its trade portfolio and attract foreign direct investment, its engagement with China—its largest bilateral creditor and a key infrastructure development partner—is of growing strategic importance. In 2023, China ranked among Sri Lanka’s top five trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 5 billion. Sri Lanka’s exports to China, though still modest compared to imports, have seen a gradual increase, particularly in tea, rubber products, gems, and spices.
The CAEXPO platform offers Sri Lanka an opportunity to expand its market access not just to China but across the ASEAN region, which collectively represents a consumer base of over 600 million people. The Special Partner Country status gives Sri Lanka enhanced visibility and diplomatic access at a time when global supply chains are shifting and Asian economies are seeking greater regional integration.
Sri Lankan officials view the expo as a vital gateway to unlock trade and investment opportunities beyond traditional markets. The nation is also exploring potential cooperation in renewable energy, digital trade, and logistics, sectors China has identified as key pillars of future growth.
As global economic realignments intensify, Sri Lanka’s renewed engagement with China and ASEAN through CAEXPO reflects a pragmatic pivot toward strengthening regional trade resilience.
