A Host of Opportunities for Sri Lanka Exporters at the South Asia Commodity Fair

(January, 02, Beijing, Sri Lanka Guardian) A record number of participants totalling 53 enterprises/companies displayed their products at the Sri Lanka pavilion at the first ever South Asia Commodity Fair, which was held from 28th to 30th December 2007, at the Beijing Exhibition and Convention Center attracting a whole host of opportunities for Sri Lanka exporters to penetrate the Chinese market.

Many positive responses were yielded during the three days of the exhibition with tangible business transactions secured. Good opportunities were presented in sectors such as cosmetics, handlooms, arts & crafts, gems & Jewellery, beverages etc.

A very colourful Sri Lanka Pavilion displayed a diverse product basket, making use of this given opportunity to embark on a market survey of mainly non traditional items. Exhibits at the Sri Lanka Pavillion included agro based products such as tea, rubber, coconut & coir products, cosmetics, gems & jewellery, handlooms, handicrafts & antiques, light engineering goods, spirits & beverages etc. All exhibiters were encouraged by the given opportunity as a practical experience to widen their knowledge - base on the Chinese consumer and expressed their enthusiasm for a wider participation in future specialized events in China.

Many Sri Lanka small and medium scale enterprises were afforded the opportunity to display their products along with the large companies. The latest trade statistics as released by the Chinese Customs, illustrate that Chinese imports from Sri Lanka have grown by 32% compared to 2006. The Chinese imports volume, which stood at US $ 34 million in 2006, has increased to US $ 44 million in 2007.

This first ever trade exhibition for the South Asian Region was sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce with the aim of reducing the ever increasing trade deficit the region is facing with China. Among those who attended the opening Ceremony were Hon Yu Guangzhou Vice Minister of the Ministry of Commerce of China and the Vice President of the CCPIT together with Ministers, Senior Officials of Seven South Asian countries, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Mr S Ranugge, Secretary Ministry of Export Development and International Trade of Sri Lanka was given the opportunity to deliver the keynote address on behalf of all the participants of the region. He remarked that these efforts made by the Government of China were a clear manifestation of her firm commitment towards a more fruitful South – South Co-operation to achieve economic prosperity among the countries in the South Asian Region. He added that Resplendent China at the zenith of their glorious achievement in world trade has not forgotten her responsibilities to the world.

It was noted in the speech made by the Vice Minister of Commerce that China and South Asia combined population add up to 45% of the world population with a strength of 2.8 billion people He added that 217 entrepreneurs in 100 categories have displayed 200 product items in this maiden efforts undertaken. He added that China has provided preferential policies for the exhibitors with reduced tariffs for trade under the APTA Agreement. The message he conveyed was that such opportunities should be harnessed by all stakeholders for jointly improving economic and trade co-operation in the region which has a host of untapped potential.
The Ministry of Export Development and International Trade, and the Department of Commerce together with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing were responsible in organizing the Sri Lanka participation, well supported by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka and the Federation of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka.