Kunming, China — The 9th China-South Asia Expo is bringing together over 2,500 enterprises to boost trade and collaboration across Asia.
The expo, running from June 19 to June 24, focuses on green and digital trade sectors. With 16 exhibition halls, nearly 70% are dedicated to professional sectors like manufacturing, green energy, the coffee industry, and traditional Chinese medicine.
“Vietnam treasures win-win cooperation with China in various spheres, including import-export and modern transport infrastructure development,” said Bui Lien Thao, a specialist at the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency. Thao emphasized the expo’s role in promoting trade links among China, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Thao also highlighted China’s role in enhancing regional supply chain resilience amid global uncertainties. “Supply chain cooperation with China reduces over-dependence and builds resilience,” she noted.
Attendees from neighboring countries are seizing the opportunity to expand their businesses. MD Samrat Babor from Bangladesh explored partnerships with Chinese manufacturers to bring energy-efficient LED bulbs to his country. “Made-in-China LED lights are gaining popularity in Bangladesh. I hope to establish connections with more Chinese enterprises during this trip,” he said.
To support export growth from least-developed countries in South Asia, China has implemented a zero-tariff policy on eligible products from nations such as Afghanistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. This policy provides a foundation for exhibitors to deepen their engagement with the Chinese market.
Afghan carpet merchant Ali Azghar Faiz attended the expo for the third time. Encouraged by previous successes, he brought a wider range of products to cater to Chinese consumers. “We hope we can open a door for Afghan products in the Chinese market. Through platforms like this, we can also introduce Afghan culture to our Chinese friends,” he said.
The expo, first held in 2013, has facilitated over $110 billion in foreign trade transactions and served more than 20,000 enterprises. Trade between China and South Asian countries neared $200 billion over the past decade, doubling with an average annual growth rate of 6.3%, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
“China remains committed to high-level opening up and is advancing Chinese modernization through high-quality development—a process that will create valuable opportunities for cooperation with countries around the world, including those in South Asia,” said Vice Minister of Commerce Yan Dong at the opening ceremony.
The expo is also fostering new partnerships beyond South Asia. Dubai-based floral dealer Forevermore Flower Trading signed a deal worth 150 million yuan (about $21 million) with a local supplier in Yunnan, one of Asia’s key fresh flower trading hubs. “Yunnan’s flowers offer both variety and consistently improving quality,” said Xu Nan, a representative of Forevermore Flower Trading. “We expect that Yunnan’s premium blooms will attract more Middle Eastern customers.”
