The 7th China-South Asia Expo was inaugurated in Kunming, Yunnan Province, marking its resumption as an offline exhibition after the COVID-19 pandemic. This event plays a pivotal role in bolstering economic and trade collaboration between China and South Asian nations.
Regarded as the premier comprehensive exposition for multilateral diplomacy, economic and trade partnerships, and cultural exchanges, the China-South Asia Expo has significantly contributed to enhancing trade between the two regions over the last decade. The event has assumed even greater importance amid the global economic challenges posed by the pandemic, according to Chinese officials and analysts.
While some Western and Indian media outlets have propagated negative narratives regarding China’s engagement with South Asian countries, experts emphasize China’s approach of openness, win-win cooperation, and robust economic development prospects, which continue to foster closer ties with regional partners.
During the opening ceremony, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, highlighted the harmonious relationship between China and South Asian countries, stressing mutual respect and shared achievements across various domains of cooperation. Wang emphasized the importance of strategic trust, connectivity, economic collaboration, and cultural exchanges in nurturing deeper bonds.
The expo serves as a key platform for multilateral diplomacy, enabling high-level interactions between China and South Asian nations, as well as those from Southeast Asia. Notably, Wang engaged with regional leaders, including Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Nepal’s Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav.
Organized by the Chinese Commerce Ministry and the Yunnan Provincial Government, this year’s expo will span five days and has drawn over 2,000 enterprises from over 60 countries and regions. While focusing on South Asian countries, participants also include nations and regions from Southeast Asia and those associated with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
The expo covers diverse areas of cooperation, with dedicated exhibition halls for biomedicine, cultural tourism, plateau modern agriculture, and the digital economy. The event’s influence extends beyond the offline experience, as exhibitions are also accessible online.
Over the past decade, the expo has been instrumental in boosting trade between China and South Asian countries. Official data indicates that total trade between the two regions surged from under $100 billion in 2013 to nearly $200 billion in 2022, achieving an average annual growth rate of 8.3%. China’s investments in South Asia have also been substantial, totaling nearly $15 billion by August 2023.
China’s commitment to win-win cooperation and its contribution to the development of landmark projects, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and vital infrastructure in various South Asian countries, has cemented its role as a valuable partner in regional growth. Despite external attempts to undermine China’s relations with South Asian nations, experts emphasize the enduring trust and mutual benefit characterizing these collaborations.