China calls SA biz experts to promote new silk route
6 June 2014 06:30 pm
Views - 2471
By Kelum Bandara in Kungmin, China
At the launch of the second China- South Asia Expo in Kungmin, China announced its strategy of implementing ‘Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, facilitating scientific and technological co-operation with South Asian nations such as Sri Lanka.
Addressing a press conference, Vice Governor of Yunan Province of China Gao Shuxun said the event was organized to showcase the interest of the Chinese government to expand its trade relations with South Asian countries.
“The second China-South Asia Expo and the 22nd Kungmin Fair will not only be an economic platform for the participation of business, but will be a meeting place for relevant governmental institutions and business associations of various nations to introduce their own investment policies and environment, to promote investment projects, so as to foster a sound platform for investment attraction of foreign nations,” he noted.
Referring to the Silk Route Economic Belt, he said it was aimed at exploring ways to advance pragmatic co-operations. He noted that China would invite business experts of the South Asian nations to promote this concept of new silk route.
The expo kicked off on a grand scale yesterday, and Sri Lankan business delegates exhibited their products- mainly gems, handicrafts, tea, and ayurvedic products.
China-Sri Lanka Joint Economy and Trade Commissions are expected to meet during the week. In addition, the first China -South Asia Science and Technology Ministerial Conference will be held and the China -South Asia Technology Transfer Centre, located in the Yunnan Province will also be inaugurated concurrently.
Business delegations from different countries in the region kept their products on display in the booths allotted to them at the centre in the south China city of ‘Kungmin’. Five heads of states from the South Asian countries were to attend the main function last evening. There are 3188 indoor booths at the convention centre that hosts the fair.