The 9th China-South Asia Expo opened its doors on June 19 in Kunming, the capital of China’s Yunnan Province, welcoming participants from around the world amid the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a tea ceremony performed by a robot. The six-day event hosts over 2,500 domestic and international companies across 16 exhibition halls, with nearly 70% of space dedicated to professional sectors such as manufacturing, green energy, the coffee industry, and traditional Chinese medicine.
First-time participant Md Samrat Babor from Bangladesh said Chinese-made LED bulbs are gaining popularity in his country, replacing traditional incandescent lighting. Afghan carpet seller Ali Azghar Faiz, attending for the third time, brought a wider selection of colors and designs for Chinese customers. Sri Lankan businessman U. A. Ajith hopes to find new partners for his eco-friendly coconut shell products. As trade between China and South Asian countries approached 200 billion USD in 2024, the expo continues to serve as a key platform for regional and global collaboration — including new deals like Dubai-based Forevermore Flower Trading’s 150-million-yuan contract with a Yunnan supplier.