The Shanghai China International Import Expo (CIIE) which ended on 11 November 2022, was an impressive success for Sri Lanka, both in the Food and Beverages and the Gems and Jewellery sectors. The exhibitors at the Sri Lanka pavilions, mainly businesses based in China and some agents, who took some risk in participating in the CIIE, despite the fears of the COVID related restrictions, access controls and the possibility of financial loss, were uniformly satisfied with the outcomes.

The China - Sri Lanka Association for Trade and Economic Cooperation (CSLATE) which constructed the two Sri Lanka pavilions, (Food and Beverages, and Gems and Jewellery), at its own expense (later in collaboration with the local group CZK) in the absence of funding from any other source, not only produced two impressive and eye catching pavilions, but also succeeded in selling the clear bulk of their supplies. They even ran out of supplies on certain lines. Their experience suggests that Sri Lanka could aspire to a bigger and more imposing pavilion next year. Some countries were represented by multiple pavilions. 

A range of Sri Lanka products, including coconut oil and thambili water, kithul jaggery and treacle, a range of busicuits, cashew nuts, black pepper, gems and handicrafts received high exposure and are likely to attract repeat orders.

Live streaming at the Sri Lanka booth resulted in daily sales of over RMB 500,000 and over 150 trade inquiries. Both the Ambassador and the Commercial Councillor assisted with the live streaming and attracted a large following for Sri Lanka.

The Ambassador Dr. Palitha Kohona participated actively in the following key activities:.

1. Was invited as a distinguished guest to the spectacular opening ceremony of the 5th CIIE. H.E. the President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, was allocated the second speaking slot after President Xi Jinping at the opening.

2. Was interviewed on CCTV, CGTN, Phoenix TV, Douyin, and other Web sites.

   
   

3. Was the guest speaker at the 5th CIIE Culture, Tourism and Health Summit dinner hosted by Mark Zhang, President, Convergent Science and Innovation Investment Holding on 08/11.

4. Was the keynote speaker at the CIIE International Gem and Jewellery Summit hosted by the Shanghai Gem and Jade Exchange on 10/11.

   
   

5. Was the chief guest at the dinner hosted by Sinopec on 05/11.

   
   

6. Discussed details with the Shanghai Lanka Experience Team for the making of a China - Sri Lanka movie for promoting tourism along the lines of Lost in Thailand.

   
   

7. Engaged in discussions with President Mark Zhang of HuiJu Kechuang Investment Holdings and explored options for sending high end tourists to Sri Lanka once the pandemic related travel restrictions were lifted.

   
   

8. Met the chief Monk of the well endowed Jing An Temple, Rev. Hui Ming, and discussed implementing the MOU signed in 2018, including assisting Sri Lanka temples and education. 

   
   

9. Officiated at the ceremony welcoming the offer of the Baoding Association for the Promotion of Trade under the  “Belt and Road” to Build a Sri Lanka National Pavilion in Baoding, Hebei.

The Commercial Councillor, Mrs. Nalika Kodikara,:

1. Attended the signature ceremony of the Beijing Sri Road -Sinopec MOU on sourcing SL consumables for Sinopec convenience stores around the country.

   
   

2. Participated in the Gannan Promotion Event highlighting China's High-Level Opening-up.

   
   

3. Ceylon Tea promotion with Tea tastings.

Given that the Sri Lanka pavilion was a clear success despite the difficult challenges confronted, we strongly recommend participation in 6th CIIE in 2023. The CIIE maintained its reputationas the premierimport expo in China with business transactions running into billions of Dollars being concluded. The Embassy recommends the construction of a larger Sri Lanka pavilion with a wider range of products, if necessary, with the assistance of private sector companies.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Beijing

13 November, 2022