Sri Lanka gems, jewellery glitter in Kunming

South Asian Nations’ Trade Fair:

Sri Lanka gem and jewellery exhibitors and participants have drawn large crowds for their exhibits in the 19th China Import and Export Commodities Fair and fourth South Asian Nations’ Trade Fair held at Kunming China.

The South Asian Nations’ Trade Fair is an annual regional trade show organized parallel to the China Import and Export Fair known as the Kunming Fair and is limited to South Asian countries.

This year’s fair started on June 5 and ended on June 10. Kunming is a known transportation hub in south-western China, located within the Yunnan Province.

Sri Lankan participation at this years’ Kunming show saw 100 exhibitors from the country. Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne, joined by Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen and Export Development Board Chairman Janaka Ratnayake took part in the inaugural ceremony along with Chinese leaders.

Prime Minister Jayaratne also visited all exhibition pavilions at the show on June 7, with Minister Bathiudeen.

“Sri Lanka’s participation in Kunming has been strengthening during the past few years.

Our 50 plus exhibitors last year now stands at 100 participants”, Prime Minister Jayaratne said. Minister Bathiudeen, meanwhile moderated the China - South Asia Business Forum held concurrently, which was chaired by Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne.

In March 2011 China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Vice Chairperson Huang Shah at a meeting with Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen announced that China will allocate a special area for Sri Lanka in this Kunming international trade fair and would also give 100 free booths for Sri Lankan exhibitors.

According to Minister Bathiudeen, Sri Lanka’s export earnings from China went up by 50 percent to US $ 80 million in 2010 from US $ 59 million from the previous year.