China-South Asia Expo becomes a platform for business cooperation in Asia

The 7th China-South Asia Expo and the 27th China Kunming Import and Export Fair has started on the 16th in Yunnan Province of China. This year’s theme is “Solidarity and Cooperation for Common Development”. The five-day event, jointly organized by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the People’s Government of Yunnan Province, has already begun with this central theme.

The South Asia Expo to be held in China is simultaneously providing an industrial platform to South Asian countries. This is being done in 15 exhibition halls, which are spread over 1.5 lakh square meters. Since online work has increased after Corona, it is also visible at this expo. That is, this time it is being organized online as well.

In addition to the opening ceremony hall, there are three halls, the South Asia Hall, the Southeast Asia Hall and the Overseas Hall, which are classified according to geographical locations, to promote economy and trade cooperation and culture exchange between China and various regions. Only the countries of South Asia have been exhibited in

While the second has an exhibition of countries from South East Asia, while the last hall has an exhibition of companies from the rest of the world. In addition there are nine more halls for special theme based professional exhibitions. In these, along with farming, agriculture-based industries as well as culture and tourism etc. have been focused.

A live streaming model has been introduced at this year’s expo, providing a one-stop service to all participants. Through this, people who are unable to visit the site can visit the exhibition or participate in the meetings. Can engage in negotiations, sign agreements and make purchases through online platforms with cloud service.

With the continuous expansion of the trade scale of the China-South Asia Expo, trade exchanges between China and South Asian countries have been further strengthened. When the first Expo was held in 2013, the total trade volume between China and South Asian countries was less than US$100 billion. By 2022, the total trade volume is expected to reach approximately US$200 billion with an average annual growth rate of 8.3 percent

China is a major trading partner of South Asian countries. Aquatic products, tea and nuts from South Asian countries are very much liked by Chinese consumers and their exports to China are increasing steadily. This time also, like previous years, Indian companies have also participated. who are showcasing their products. With this, it is expected that the influence of Indian companies and the reach of Indian industries will increase in the world.

The China-South Asia Expo, formerly known as the “Commodity Exhibition of South Asian Countries”, provided an exclusive promotional platform for South Asian commodities. After years of development, the China-South Expo has become a comprehensive exhibition platform integrating merchandise trade, investment promotion, tourism cooperation and cultural exchanges, and has promoted economic and trade and cultural exchanges between China and South Asian countries. To expand the supply, it is being established as an important bridge between other countries, especially the countries of Asia.

India has had close contacts in the past with the Yunnan province where the event is being held. Qin Guangrong, Governor of Yunnan, visited India with a business delegation from 9–15 November 2008. He was accompanied by the Mayor of Kunming City and a business delegation. India’s industrial organization Confederation of Indian Industries ie CII has organized a seminar on “India-China: Economic and Trade Promotion” with special focus on Yunnan.

Kunming Iron and Steel Group and India Noble Group had a cooperation agreement for 1.5 million tonnes of iron ore during that time. A meeting of the Lieutenant Governor of Yunnan has also taken place with FICCI, the premier organization of the Indian industry. Okram Ibobi Singh, former Chief Minister of Manipur, visited Xiushuangbanna and Kunming from 19 to 21 September 2013 with a high level delegation.

(Umesh Chaturvedi, senior Indian journalist)