EDB wins Best Country Pavilion award

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) won the prestigious golden award for the best country pavilion at the third South Asian Countries Trade Fair (SACFT 2010) recently held in Kunming, China.

The Export Development Board Chairman Janaka Ratnayake said, Sri Lanka's participation at this event was organized by the EDB with the support of the Sri Lankan Embassy in China.

The third South Asian Countries Trade Fair held parallel to the 18th Kunming Fair one of the top 10 trade fairs in China, was successfully concluded on June 10, bringing abundant opportunities to Sri Lankan exhibiters who showcased the best of Sri Lanka ranging from tea, coir, gems and jewellery, spices, rubber and herbal products, and handicrafts.

Senior President Advisor and Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama who was Sri Lanka's special invitee addressed the fifth South Asia China Business Forum which was held parallel with the fair.

The Forum was attended by over 800 special invitees including 150 distinguished guests from South Asia and about 250 VIPs from in and out of Yunnan province.

Addressing the forum under the theme "China-South Asia Cooperation under the background of global economic recovery" Minister elaborated the benefits that could be achieved by the region through closer cooperation as well as opportunities available in Sri Lanka after wiping out terrorism.

The China Commerce Ministry and the Peoples Government of Yunnan Province warmly welcomed the Sri Lankan delegation. At a high level meeting organized for the Sri Lanka delegation the Governor of the Yunnan Province pledged fullest support for any trade promotion activities to strengthen trade relations between Sri Lanka and the Yunnan Province of China.

Having experienced the plethora of opportunities afforded by China for Sri Lanka's export market particularly with a record participation in the first South Asia Fair held in December 2007, the enthusiasm for participation among the Sri Lankan exporters was beyond doubt visible as the total participation numbered more than 80 enterprises/companies displaying their products at the Sri Lanka pavilion, attracting a whole host of new opportunities.

Particularly in the context of Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) this event was also timely Sri Lanka, for exploring export opportunities.

It was evident that the exhibitors of all sectors had made the full use of this platform to strengthen exchanges, increase mutual understanding and enhance fruitful cooperation, create market opportunities for Sri Lanka products and have made new contribution to China-Sri Lanka business cooperation.

The third South Asian Trade Fair held along with this 18th Kunming Import and Exports Fair acted as a catalyst for promoting services for cross-border trade, investment, and economic and technological cooperation from seven South Asian Countries.

Over 500 exhibitors from South Asia, with the participation of over 10,000 buyers and senior officials attended the event.