Expo to lift partnerships with S. Asian countries

China is willing to integrate its growth more closely with the development of South Asian countries while continuing to strengthen cooperation between those involved, said Wang Dongming, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, at the ninth China-South Asia Expo.

The event opened in Kunming, Yunnan province, on Thursday and will run until Tuesday.

In the past few years, China and South Asian countries have strengthened practical cooperation in multiple sectors. Economic and trade exchanges have maintained a good development momentum and the achievements have benefited people all over the world, Wang said.

He added that China is willing to continuously enhance strategic mutual trust with South Asian countries, firmly defend multilateralism and actively engage in mutual learning.

The bilateral trade value between China and South Asian countries has continued to grow and reached nearly $200 billion last year, doubling over the past decade with an average annual growth rate of about 6.3 percent, said the Ministry of Commerce.

This year's expo features 16 exhibition halls that are being used to comprehensively showcase industries that boast great potential for economic and trade cooperation between China and South Asian countries. Those sectors include green energy, modern agriculture, medical and healthcare, and cultural tourism, according to the local government.

Domestic and international exhibitors are showcasing their latest achievements and products at the event.

For instance, China Southern Power Grid Lancang-Mekong International Co Ltd is showcasing its achievements over the past 20 years about promoting cross-border power interconnection and common technical standards in the region.

Meanwhile, Ryan Chen, an exhibitor from Vietnam, is attending the expo for the third time this year. He mainly sells eaglewood, also known as agarwood, and its derivatives. Last year, his company set up four booths at the expo and sales reached about 300,000 yuan ($41,764). The company has set up eight booths this year.

Thirasha, an exhibitor from Sri Lanka, said she is attending the expo for the first time this year. As a marketing director of her company Ahmad Tea, she said the company mainly sells black tea, flower tea, fruit tea and herbal tea. Many consumers have indicated an interest in buying tea at the expo.

"Tea is a specialty product of both China and Sri Lanka, and many Chinese consumers love tea. It's possible to find some Chinese buyers and I will come back next year," she said.