Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena arrived at Kunming International Airport yesterday morning (15) to commence 4-day visit to Yunnan Province in China. He was warmly received at the airport by Vice Chairman of the CPPCC Yunnan Provincial Committee Zhao Jin, Protocol Chief and other senior officials and Embassy’s Charge D’Affairs at K. K.Yoganadan and mission officials.
The Prime Minister will be the chief guest at the seventh China-South Asia Expo, jointly hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the Yunnan provincial government, held from August 16 to 20 in Kunming, China.
According to Expo organizers, sixty countries will participate in this trade display. They include all South and Southeast Asian countries and RECP member countries.
The seventh China-South Asia Expo is considered to be the most important economic and trade exchange events between China and South Asian countries. The 15 large pavilions will focus on promoting economic and trade cooperation and cultural exchanges with South Asia, as well as devote nine pavilions for regional cooperation, resource, industrial park, port, biopharmaceuticals and health, cultural tourism, modern agriculture, digital economy, and advanced manufacturing. Covering an exhibition area of 150,000 square meters, the expo will also be displayed online. As an important platform of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits between China and South and Southeast Asian countries, the expo will also stage a series of sideline events, in addition to three special events. There will be eight professional forums, such as the Fourthth China-South Asia Cooperation Forum (CSACF).
In addition to holding discussions with Chinese leaders on bilateral relations, economic cooperation, trade and investments, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Science, Yunnan Provincial Energy Investment Group Co. Ltd. or Sinohydro Bureau and Photovoltaic Power Station of Yunnan Provincial Energy Investment Group Co. Ltd in Kunming and Gusheng Village and the experimental paddy field of Yunnan State Farms Group, Erhai Ecological Corridor, Exhibition and Experience center of Xiaguan Compressed Tea in Dali. The Prime Minister is accompanied by State Ministers Tharaka Balasuriya, Janaka Wakkumbura and Kanaka Herath, MP Yadamini Gunawardena and Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake.