Kunming International Fair:

Over a 100 stalls showcase Lankan products

by Rohana Jayalal

Sri Lankan businesses fared well at the recent Kunming International Fair in China, notching an income surpassing the $2 million mark, Chairman, EDB, Bandula Egodage told a media briefing on Sri Lanka's performance at the third China-South Asia Exposition (CSAE) and 23rd China Import and Export Fair at Kunming, China recently.

The exhibitions were approved by the State Council of China.

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board organised the Sri Lanka pavilion with the support of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing and the Sri Lanka Consulate in Chengdu.

There were 125 stalls at the CSAE showcasing Lankan gem and jewellery, tea, coconut products, spices, organic products, handcrafts, batik and ceramic products.

Industry and Commerce Minister Rishard Bathiudeen addressed the 10th China South Asia Business Forum. He also opened the Sri Lanka Pavillion.The evaluations submitted by 30 of 127 Lankan institutions at the Kunming Fair showed $1.2 million in confirmed spot sales, $850,000 in confirmed orders and 728 business inquiries. Officials of three Lankan firms stayed behind to negotiate with various Chinese firms which expressed willingness to set up import links and ink deals.

As some of the firms which participated are yet to submit its sales figures, the $1.2 million in spot sales are expected to rise further. Several Lankan tea firms secured agents in Kunming and Shanghai.

Two business agreements for distribution of tea and virgin coconut oil were signed. Business contacts were also set up with firms from Nepal, France and USA. Shenzhen Global Purchase E-commerce has chosen Ceylon Tea and Ceylon Ceramic to be listed in its online product catalogues.