Sri Lanka to join China-ASEAN Expo in September as special partner

Sri Lanka is set to participate as a Special Partner Country in the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) taking place from Sept. 17-21 in Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China, as confirmed by the expo secretariat on Wednesday.

A senior diplomatic delegation from the Sri Lankan government will be present at the event. Key national enterprises, such as port and spice companies, will engage to strengthen economic and trade relationships with China and ASEAN.

Sri Lanka will organize a national image exhibition, product showcase, and national promotion activity at the expo.

Launched at the 11th CAEXPO, the Special Partner Country initiative welcomes member states of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) or Belt and Road countries involved outside of China and ASEAN. This establishes the expo as a venue to enhance interactions and generate business prospects among China, ASEAN, and other regions. Sri Lanka formerly occupied the position at the 13th CAEXPO.

Cooperation between China and Sri Lanka includes infrastructure, energy, port development, and various sectors, enhancing economic and cultural connections.