SL stalls attract crowds at China exhibition

Sri Lankan pavilions exhibit gem and jewellery collections and local craft:

Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne visited an exhibition pavilion and participated in discussions with exhibitors.

The 19th China Kunming Import & Export Commodities Fair and the 04th South Asian Nations Trade Fair got off the ground in Kunming, China on Monday with Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne taking part in the inaugural ceremony alongside Chinese leaders.

The trade fair held at the Kunming International Convention Centre houses over 3,000 exhibition pavilions from South Asian nations including Sri Lanka's 100 exhibition stalls. Sri Lankan pavilions exhibiting gem and jewellery collections and local craft are drawing large crowds and are considered to be among the most popular stalls at the exhibition. Prime Minister Jayaratne on Monday visited all exhibition pavilions and also had a discussion with the Sri Lankan exhibitors.

He was joined by Chinese Senator Dai Binghguo, Secretary S.Amarasekera, Minister Rishard Bathuideen, acting Ambassador of Sri Lanka in China K.D.S.Ruwanchandra, Prime Minister's Private Secretary Anuradha Jayaratne and Sri Lanka Export Development Board Chairman Janaka Ratnayake among others.