9th China–South Asia Expo Kicks Off in Kunming, China
Yunnan (Kunming): The six-day 9th China–South Asia Expo has commenced in Kunming, the capital of China’s Yunnan Province. Jointly organized by China’s Ministry of Commerce and the Yunnan Provincial Government, the international trade fair features participation from business communities of over 60 countries across South and Southeast Asia.
The fair is aimed at promoting and expanding cooperation in sectors such as trade, science and technology, energy, education, health, and culture. Out of a total 1,200 stalls spread across 17 pavilions, 120 stalls have been set up by Nepali entrepreneurs, showcasing products like handicrafts, Buddha statues, tea, and coffee.
Held under the main theme “Unity and Coordination for Shared Development”, the inaugural session featured key figures including Wang Ning, member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China, and Wang Yubo, Governor of Yunnan Province. Leaders from Southeast Asian nations emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation based on shared benefits to ensure peace, prosperity, and a brighter future for the people of the region.
On the occasion, Nepal’s Ambassador to China, Krishna Prasad Oli, highlighted the vast potential for development in South and Southeast Asian countries due to their rich natural and human resources. He stressed the need for joint efforts in environmental protection, infrastructure development, and economic revitalization.
Referring to the recent Sagarmatha Dialogue organized by Nepal to draw global attention to the impacts of climate change on Himalayan nations, Ambassador Oli invited foreign investment in sectors such as energy, industry, and infrastructure, citing mutual benefits. He also emphasized the historic and close ties between Nepal and China, adding that the two countries would mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations with special programs aimed at further strengthening their bond.
Bharat Sharma, a professor of Nepali at the Department of Foreign Languages, Yunnan University, and a journalist, shared that over 120 Nepali stalls at the large-scale expo—featuring more than 1,200 stalls overall—are displaying items such as pashmina, curios, garments, tea, and coffee. Nepali entrepreneurs, dressed in traditional attire and assisted by Chinese collaborators, reported enthusiastic participation compared to previous years and expressed optimism about achieving stronger business outcomes at the ongoing fair.
Janak Raj Pandey, a pashmina trader based in Thamel, Kathmandu, noted that this year’s exhibition includes 40 more Nepali stalls than last year. However, he mentioned that some traders missed the opportunity to participate due to space limitations and late communication. Pandey expressed hope that pashmina sales will outperform previous years, reflecting increased interest and demand.
