by Xinhua writer Wu Ziyu
COLOMBO, June 10 (Xinhua) -- The China-South Asia Exposition serves as an important platform for South-South trade cooperation, and will create valuable opportunities for Sri Lanka and other countries in the region to fully tap the potential of each other's markets, said Charita Yattogoda, head of the trade promotion division of Sri Lanka's Department of Commerce.
The 10th edition of the expo is scheduled to be held from June 11 to 16 in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province. Yattogoda, who will be leading the Sri Lankan delegation to the expo, expressed his high expectations during an exclusive interview with Xinhua.
"This year, more than 100 Sri Lankan companies representing different sectors are participating in the expo," said Yattogoda. He added that some of the companies are leaders in Sri Lanka's most recognized business sectors, including jewelry, organic agriculture, tea, and garment products.
Sri Lanka was the "theme country" of last year's expo. Recounting the positive results of the country's participation in the expo last year, Yattogoda said that Sri Lanka saw a notable increase in exports to China afterward. This has prompted more local businesses to apply for a booth this year.
Sri Lankan businesses are also eyeing growth opportunities in other countries and regions in and beyond South Asia, provided by the expo, he added.
Regarding some of the areas that Sri Lankan participants are most interested in, Yattogoda said his interest was piqued when learning a pavilion dedicated specifically to green and renewable energy was set up at this year's expo.
"The Sri Lankan government is very keen on transforming the country's energy structure towards cleaner energy," he said.
"At the expo, we will certainly look closely for opportunities to engage in cooperation with Chinese enterprises in this regard," he added.
E-commerce is another sector that Yattogoda said Sri Lankan participants wish to explore.
"I believe Sri Lankan exporters can enjoy extra advantages if they manage to sell their products in Chinese online platforms," he said.
As a trade and commerce veteran, Yattogoda has visited China multiple times. From his perspective, China has always been a trusted partner in Sri Lanka's international trade.
"China is a very important friendly nation that we are working very closely with," said Yattogoda. "By attending the expo, we are looking forward to strengthening our trade and economic relations even further."■
