BEIJING: With the theme of “Solidarity and Coordination for Common Development,” the 7th China-South Asia Exposition will take place in Kunming, China, from August 16 to 20.”
The first batch of 59 exhibits from various countries, including Pakistan, entered the exhibition venue under Kunming Custom’s supervision.
The customs manager of Yunnan Easy-Trans International freight forwarder Co., Ltd., Fu Yu, said, “The exhibits include clothing, money clips, leather hats, etc., transported to Kunming Airport by air. All exhibits of the Expo can be declared through nationwide integration of customs clearance procedures, which can help reduce logistics costs and ensure that the exhibits are cleared quickly and exhibit on time.”
China Economic Net (CEN) said on Tuesday that 60 countries and regions, including all of the South Asian and Southeast Asian nations and RCEP member states, have registered for the Expo. A total of 1,000 businesses registered to attend the show, 50 of which are Global 500 corporations.
“This year’s Expo has 15 pavilions with an exhibition area of 150,000 square meters,” introduced Li Chenyang, director of the Department of Commerce of Yunnan Province, China.
Li Fei, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Commerce of China, revealed the highlights of this year’s Expo, saying, “This year, we will focus on inviting more professional visitors according to the different needs of exhibitors. We will also fully adapt digital platforms to provide ‘one-stop’ services for exhibitors of the Expo. Exhibitors and visitors who cannot attend the event in person can participate, negotiate and purchase online.”
After six successful events, the China-South Asia Expo has grown into a platform that integrates trade, economic communication, commodities display, investment cooperation, and e-commerce.
Li Fei said, “In 2013, when the first China-South Asia Expo was held, the total trade volume between China and South Asian countries was less than USD100 billion, the number increased to USD200 billion last year, representing an average annual increase of 8.3 percent.”
“China is also the largest trading partner of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, and other South Asian countries. Exports of aquatic products, tea, and nuts from those countries to China keep increasing and gaining popularity among Chinese consumers,” he added.
Li also stressed China’s efforts in synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative with developing South Asian countries, especially mentioning Pakistan, its iron brother.
“The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has brought investment of $25.4 billion to Pakistan, created 192,000 jobs, added 6,000 megawatts of electricity, 510 kilometers of highways, and 886 kilometers of the national core transmission grid,” he said.
The 27th Kunming Import and Export Fair will take place alongside the Expo. —APP
