Sri Lankan SMEs showcased at China International SME Fair in Guangzhou
Daily FT: A delegation of 42 Sri Lankan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) made a strong impact at the 19th China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair (CISMEF), held from 27 to 30 June, at the China Import & Export Fair Complex in Pazhou, Guangzhou. Organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the Industrial Development Board (IDB) and with the active facilitation of the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Guangzhou, the delegation represented key product sectors, including food and beverages, gem and jewellery, coconut-based products, lifestyle goods, spices, and garments etc.
CISMEF 2025 proved to be a robust platform for SMEs, enabling them to connect with international buyers and potential business partners within mainland China and beyond. This marked the 10th consecutive year of Sri Lanka’s participation, demonstrating a consistent commitment to fostering SME growth through international trade exposure.
Participants gained invaluable insights into:
*Technology upgrades: Observing the latest advancements in production techniques and sourcing equipment to enhance productivity.
*Product development: Learning innovative approaches to packaging, quality standards, and market-driven product improvements.
*Export readiness: Understanding the complexities of entering export markets and leveraging opportunities cost-effectively.
The participating SMEs achieved immediate success, securing a spot sales value of Chinese Yuan 300,000 and value of 150,000 Chinese Yuan confirmed export orders for cinnamon, coir products, and jewellery. Additionally, several promising business negotiations are in progress, showcasing the potential for long-term trade partnerships.
Delegates expressed gratitude to the EDB for organising the event, praising the opportunity to gain international exposure and market insights. One entrepreneur stated, “This event was a turning point for our business. The knowledge we gained on product standards and market entry strategies will help us improve and expand our exports.”
OSL take:
Sri Lanka has strong bilateral and trade ties with China with discussions continuing to further strengthen these ties through a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries. While there are many Chinese businesses already operating in Sri Lanka with China also being a key development partner of Sri Lanka, there are many partnerships or joint ventures between Sri Lankan and Chinese businesses covering many economic spheres showing strong growth, profits and further expansion, in some instances even regionally. It is in such a backdrop that Sri Lankan SMEs have showcased their products in the Chinese market. This initiative presents opportunities for Chinese businesses/investors to see Sri Lanka’s expanding product portfolio as well as the business/investment opportunities in the country’s manufacturing and exports industry. Also, it opens up possibilities for Chinese businesses/investors to partner with Sri Lankan SMEs to further expand operations locally and regionally. Other foreign businesses/investors interested in doing business with China could also look at forming partnerships with Sri Lankan SMEs to manufacture products to the Chinese market as well.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20250725/Z_2 |