The EDB (Export Development Board) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Shanghai organised a Sri Lanka pavilion at the second China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, China recently.
It provided an opportunity to showcase the country’s strength in the areas of trade, investment, travel and tourism to the Chinese business community and consumers.
The CIIE 2019 is China’s national level import expo. It was held at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC) and co-sponsored by Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and Shanghai Municipal People’s Government supported by the World Trade Organisation and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation. The Expo was organised by the China International Import Expo Bureau and the National Exhibition and Centre (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.
Over 150 countries, regions and international organisations, over 3,900 companies and over 400,000 Chinese and foreign buyers attended this mega event and explored business deals.
Fourteen companies showcased their products in the Food and Agriculture Section of Sri Lanka pavilion: Kaushalya Organic Industries, Akbar Brothers, Ceylon Tea Marketing, Devon Tea, Euro Asia Corporation, Hero Nature Products, Imperial Tea Exports, Lions Management, Mabroc Teas, Regency Teas, Sinolan Tea, Tea Talk, Tradlanka Agricultural Enterprises, World Mart Ceylon displaying Ceylon tea, coconut products, spices, rice and processed products.
Sri BNB Ltd, an exporter of latex rubber products exhibited in the Quality Life section. Tradlanka Holdings and Ceylon Plantation & Estate Group Ltd signed an agreement worth USD 7.5 million to export a traditional variety of red rice to the Nigbo area in China.
Another contract worth USD 200,000 was signed between a Chinese importer and Sri Lankan tea company World Mart Ceylon..
A Business Forum and B2B meetings facilitating an opportunity for Sri Lanka delegates to meet representatives of renowned Chinese companies from Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Shanghai in China was also held.
The EDB organised the Sri Lanka National Pavilion at the Country Exhibition of the CIIE with the participation of Sri Lanka Tea Board, Coconut Development Authority and Sri Lanka Airlines.
Sri Lankan officials also participated in the Hongqiao International Economic Forum (HIEF) and other parallel fora.
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Colombo also helped the EDB to take part in the expo.