The Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development states that Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe has departed for China to participate in the 10th China–South Asia Expo and the 30th China (Kunming) Import and Export Expo 2026.

The Ministry said in a statement that a delegation including the Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, K. A. Wimalenthiraraja, is also accompanying the Minister on this visit.

The major exhibition, scheduled to begin tomorrow (11) at the Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Kunming, China, will continue until the 16th.

The Ministry described the event as an important economic milestone for Sri Lanka and the South Asian region, serving as a key platform to enhance trade, investment, and industrial cooperation between China and South Asian countries.

More than 60 countries are expected to participate in the expo, with around 200 representatives from Sri Lanka, including nearly 100 exporters.

A notable feature is that the Sri Lanka Department of Commerce, under the Ministry of Trade, has provided free exhibition stall facilities for participating entrepreneurs.

The expo is expected to provide Sri Lanka with direct access to the Chinese market—one of the world’s second-largest import markets—and opportunities to connect with potential buyers.

It is also expected to create new export opportunities for traditional Sri Lankan products such as tea, cinnamon, spices, gemstones, Ayurvedic products, food items, and garments.

A special highlight this year is the inclusion of a dedicated fisheries products stall for the first time, allowing Sri Lanka’s unique brands to be showcased on the international stage.