Pakistan China Monitoring Desk Islamabad
Pakistan made a strong commercial presence at the 10th China–South Asia Exposition (CSA Expo) and the 30th China Kunming Import and Export Fair, participating with around 150 stalls, and over 130 companies and 327 exhibitors showcasing a wide range of products and services in Kunming, Yunnan Province.
The Expo was jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the People’s Government of Yunnan Province, in collaboration with commercial authorities of South Asian countries.
It was officially inaugurated in Kunming, bringing together political leaders, diplomats, trade officials, and business representatives from more than 60 countries and regions to promote regional economic cooperation, trade connectivity, and investment partnerships.
The opening ceremony was presided over by H.E. Wang Yubo, Governor of Yunnan Province, and attended by senior government officials, ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats, business leaders, and representatives from more than 60 countries and regions.
Distinguished international participants included H.E. Khalil Hashmi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China; H.E. Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of SAARC; Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal, President of SAARC CCI; H.E. Santiphab Phomvihane, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Laos; H.E. Lila Kumari Bhandari, Vice Chairperson of Nepal’s National Assembly; H.E. Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Minister of Commerce, Industry, Textiles and Jute of Bangladesh; H.E. Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development of Sri Lanka; and Mr. Zulfiqar Butt, Secretary General of SAARC CCI.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal stated that the success of the China–South Asia Exposition reflected the remarkable transformation of economic relations between China and South Asia.
He said that over the past decade, trade between China and South Asian countries had expanded significantly, with official statistics indicating that China–South Asia trade had surpassed USD 200 billion, approximately double the level recorded a decade ago.
Mr. Dhakal noted that since its inception, the China–South Asia Expo had facilitated trade worth more than USD 100 billion, hosted over 18,000 enterprises, and supported the signing of more than 3,000 cooperation projects, reflecting deepening regional economic interdependence.
He further emphasized that the Expo had become increasingly important amid evolving global economic dynamics, serving as a gateway for partnerships that accelerate industrial development, technology transfer, export diversification, and market access for South Asian businesses.
Reaffirming the commitment of the regional private sector, Mr. Dhakal said SAARC CCI firmly believed that stronger economic cooperation remained one of the most effective pathways toward peace, stability, and prosperity in South Asia.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, H.E. Khalil Hashmi, highlighted the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Pakistan and China and emphasized the importance of leveraging platforms such as the China–South Asia Expo to expand cooperation in trade, investment, industrial development, and people-to-people exchanges.
The Pakistan Pavilion was jointly inaugurated by Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, H.E. Khalil Hashmi, and Ms. Yang Yang, Vice Governor of Yunnan Province, showcasing Pakistan’s trade and investment potential. The inauguration formed part of commemorative activities marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
Pakistan’s participation this year was notably strong, with around 130 companies and 327 exhibitors presenting a diverse range of products, reflecting the growing momentum of Pakistan–China economic engagement.
Commenting on the significance of the event, Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) and Vice President of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI), expressed optimism that the platform would generate meaningful economic opportunities and strengthen regional private-sector collaboration.
He further noted that the participation of regional leadership at the exposition had helped translate dialogue into tangible outcomes for businesses across South Asia.
“We are hopeful that the participation of SAARC Chamber leadership, led by Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal, President of SAARC CCI, will contribute to greater prosperity and produce concrete outcomes for the business communities of the region. Strengthening regional cooperation remains essential for achieving sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity,” he said.
