China-South Asia Expo Strengthens Regional Trade Ties

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KUNMING, China, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report from chinadaily.com.cn

The 9th China-South Asia Expo, running from June 19 to 24, in Kunming, Southwest China’s Yunnan province, not only promoted trade linkage among China, South Asia and Southeast Asia, but also forged people-to-people exchanges.

The expo has already secured deals worth 8.66 billion yuan ($1.21 billion), officials announced at a press conference on Monday.

According to the provincial department of commerce, a total of 163 agreements have been signed as of Monday. This includes 150 contracts valued at 8.3 billion yuan, 12 letters of intent totaling 213 million yuan, and one framework procurement agreement worth 150 million yuan.

The deals span multiple sectors, including agricultural and food products, minerals, chemicals, machinery, apparel, footwear, and headwear. Additionally, the expo has facilitated over 20 cooperation agreements in supply chain services, international logistics, overseas warehouse construction, and smart port development.

The six-day event has drawn participation from 73 countries, regions, and international organizations, with over 2,500 enterprises showcasing products and forging new partnerships.

This year’s expo features 16 exhibition halls, with nearly 70 percent dedicated to specialized industries such as manufacturing, green energy, coffee, and traditional Chinese medicine. Two South Asia-themed pavilions with nearly 800 booths highlight regional trade, with India and Pakistan each occupying 140 booths.

Pakistan and Nepal also spotlighted handicrafts and textiles, underscoring the expo’s role in fostering people-to-people ties.

“China’s market is the best,” said Rashad Ali, an exhibitor from Pakistan, praising China’s Belt and Road Initiative for boosting connectivity.

Nearly 40 economic and trade events, including forums and procurement matchmaking meetings, have been held to deepen cooperation. Since its inception in 2013, the expo has facilitated over $110 billion in foreign trade transactions and served more than 20,000 enterprises.

In 2024, trade between China and South Asian countries neared $200 billion, doubling over the past decade with an average annual growth rate of 6.3 percent, according to data from China’s Ministry of Commerce.