Bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and China topped US$ 2.67 billion in 2012, increasing by 19.5 percent from 2011, the Industry and Commerce Ministry said in a statement.“Exports to China in 2012 stood at $108.12 million. China has become the largest development partner and an important investor in Sri Lanka,” the statement noted.As bilateral trade volumes between the two countries are currently at historic levels, a high level trade delegation led by Vice Governor of China's Yunnan Province, Ding Shaoxiang arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday.

The six-member Chinese trade delegation, the first high level team here since the appointment of China's new Premier Li Keqiang, is scheduled to meet with several top Lankan government figures in the next few days.