Free pavilion for Lanka at China Commodity Fair

The Beijing Chamber of Commence has invited Sri Lankan companies to participate in the inaugural South Asian Commodity Fair from December 28 to 30.

Ambassador in China Karunatilleke Amunugama said this is a good opportunity for Sri Lankans to showcase their products in China.

"Most of the trade shows that are held in China are organised to promote Chinese products to Sri Lanka and this is an event that Sri Lankan companies can display their products and find partners to their products within China," he said.

He said the trade balance between the two countries favour China that is at a staggering Rs. 1 billion plus. "This exhibition would also help to narrow this trade gap upto some extent," he said.

Sri Lanka's main exports to China are tea and there are openings for rubber based products, coir and herbal products. "This exhibition would give an window of opportunity to enter the Chinese market," he said. Amunugama said the Beijing Chamber of Commence has also agreed to provide a free pavilion for Sri Lankan companies and there would be 55 stalls available. "This too is another advantage as the local companions would only have to find their passage and accommodation," he said.

Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing with Sri Lanka Tourist Board is also promoting tourism and this fair would also give an opportunity for local travel companies to woo Chinese tourists. "Buddhist and cultural sites available in Sri Lanka can be included and marketed at this fair as tour packages for Chinese who now travel in large numbers," he said.

A direct flight from Beijing via SriLankan too is another plus point to market tourism products.

More details of the exhibition could be obtained from the Export Development Board.

SS