KUNMING: “With its huge market potential and growing economies, South Asia is a promising destination for Chinese investors and businesses looking to expand their footprint in the region,” said Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal.
This was stated by Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal, Vice President, SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who led a high-level business delegation from South Asia to attend the 17th China-South Asia Business Forum in Kunming, China.
Speaking during the launch ceremony, he said that SAARC is a region of opportunity, commonalities and civilizations, the region encourages all stakeholders to explore a wide range of sectors and industries where cooperation can thrive. The possibilities are endless, from infrastructure development and energy cooperation to tourism, manufacturing and information technology.
The 17th China-South Asia Business Forum convened on the theme of “Unblocking Supply Chains, Fostering New Development”, a core event to promote economic ties at the Wyndham Yunnan Hotel, Kinming, China. The rotating chairman of the ČSABF was with Pakistan this year.
Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Senior Vice President, FPCCI highlighted the role of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has played a major role in enhancing business opportunities, stimulating investment and developing Pakistan’s economic cooperation.
Mr. Zulfiqar Butt, Secretary General of SAARC CCI at the forum said, “We, the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, appreciate and value our partnership with CCPIT Yunnan and confirm that we are providing all possible assistance to CCPIT Yunnan for commercial purposes. cooperation between SAARC and China.
The time calls for us to explore and unlock these economic potentials and reap the benefits together.”
The forum was also addressed by Mr. Khalil-ur-Rahman Hashmi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Dr. Ajay Sahai, Director General and CEO, Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO), Mr. Tandy Wangchuk, Chairman, Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Agha Hunain Abbas Khan, Acting Consul General of Pakistan, Vice President, Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Hem Raj Dhakal, Vice President, Nepal Federation of Industry and Commerce, Ms. Shrestha Jyotsna, Executive Committee Member, SAARC CCI (Nepal), Ms. Sahibzadi Mahin Khan, Executive Committee Member, SCWEC (Pakistan) , and Mr. Saranga Wijeyarathne, Director, Federation of Sri Lanka Industry and Commerce.
South Asian leaders have urged Chinese businesses to explore investment opportunities in mutually beneficial areas, especially non-conventional sectors.
On the sidelines of the forum, the 8th China-South Asia Expo and the 28th China Kunming Export & Import Fair, co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and the People’s Government of Yunnan Province, were launched on July 23, 2024 in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. . This year, the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry pavilion has 51 stalls and includes a special exhibition area for Pakistan, the theme country.
CSAE has been instrumental in deepening and expanding trade ties between China and South Asian countries since its inception, with seven successful editions to date.
