The 4th China International Import Expo (CIIE) drew to a successful close on 10 November 2021. According to the organisers around USD 70.72 billion worth of tentative deals were concluded for the purchase of goods and services at this Expo. Millions, including business representatives, cruised the stalls during the Expo. Despite the pandemic, it was a huge success.
Touring the Sri Lankan exhibits, Ambassador Dr. Palitha Kohona said that it was very encouraging that 25 Sri Lankan companies were part of the expo. The companies were able to meet Chinese businesses and interact with consumers to promote their products. They expressed their appreciation of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing, the Sri Lanka consulate general in Shanghai, the Foreign Ministry and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board for the assistance extended to them to participate at this Expo. There were opportunities for Sri Lankan exporters to exploit the expo much more.
Sri Lankan products were live streamed from the Sri Lanka Pavilian and attracted 330,000 viewers.
The Laksala’s products attracted many visitors at the Gem and Jewellery section. Ambassador Kohona was invited by exhibitors from Pakistan, India and Italy who exhibited a stunning collection of Sri Lanka gem stones to visit their pavilions. Ambassador Kohona said that next year he expects more companies to participate physically with the backing of the Gem and Jewelry Authority and exhibit more Sri Lanka gems stones.
Dr Kohona was the key note speaker at the CIIE Gem Stone Summit. He spoke about the government's plans to modernise the gemming industry and make it into a major foreign exchange earner for the country.
Hambantota International Port (HIP) also used the CIIE to highlight the port facilities and services in the Logistics Section of the Expo. In addition, it promoted investment opportunities in the port’s industrial Park. The CEO told the Ambassador that HIP is ready with state of the art facilities and a skilled work force to cater to the rising demand for bulk cargo. Further he said that the Port Industrial Park holds over two square kilometers of dedicated land. This is made available to establish businesses and industries. The Port’s Industrial Park follows the success model of strategic ‘PPC’: Port, Park & City. This will enable investors to benefit from considerable savings in cost and time as a result of having the port within close proximity to their manufacturing plant.
Dr Kohona thanked his team for extending their untiring support to make the CIIE participation a success. He said that everyone should work more creatively to yield pragmatic and substantive outcomes. The country needs to export more. The only way open as of now, is increasing our exports and attracting foreign direct investments. He requested everyone to prepare from now for the participation of the next year CIIE.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Beijing
12 November, 2021
