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President of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI) Chandi Raj Dhakal has called for stronger economic cooperation between China and South Asia, saying deeper regional partnerships are essential for promoting trade, investment and shared prosperity.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the 10th China-South Asia Exposition and the 30th China Kunming Import & Export Fair in Kunming on Thursday, Dhakal said the growing economic relationship between China and South Asian countries demonstrates the vast potential for regional integration and business collaboration.

"The success of the China-South Asia Exposition reflects the remarkable transformation of economic relations between China and South Asia," Dhakal said. He noted that trade between China and South Asian countries has surpassed USD 200 billion, nearly double the level recorded a decade ago.

Dhakal highlighted the role of the exposition as a platform for fostering commercial partnerships and expanding economic opportunities. According to him, the event has facilitated trade worth more than USD 100 billion since its inception, served over 18,000 enterprises and supported the signing of more than 3,000 cooperation projects.

"Platforms such as the China-South Asia Expo are becoming increasingly important amid evolving global economic dynamics," Dhakal said. "For the business community of South Asia, this expo serves as a gateway to partnerships that can accelerate industrial development, facilitate technology transfer, promote export diversification and expand market access."

Reaffirming the commitment of the regional private sector, Dhakal said SAARC CCI firmly believes stronger economic cooperation remains one of the most effective pathways towards peace, stability and prosperity in South Asia.

The exposition, jointly organised by China's Ministry of Commerce and the People's Government of Yunnan Province in collaboration with commercial authorities of South Asian countries, has emerged as one of the region's leading platforms for trade promotion, investment and connectivity. Bangladesh is the theme country of this year's event.

The opening ceremony was attended by senior government officials, ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats and business leaders from more than 60 countries and regions. Speakers included Wang Ning, Secretary of the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee; Yan Dong, Vice Minister of Commerce of China; He Wei, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China; Santiphab Phomvihane, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Laos; Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Bangladesh's Minister of Commerce, Industry, Textiles and Jute; Wasantha Samarasinghe, Sri Lanka's Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development; and Dhakal.

In her address to the event, National Assembly Vice Chairperson Lila Kumari Bhandari highlighted the longstanding friendship between Nepal and China and stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in trade, connectivity and regional development. She said platforms such as the China-South Asia Expo play a vital role in strengthening business linkages and translating shared aspirations into practical cooperation.

SAARC Secretary General Golam Sarwar underscored the growing strategic importance of enhanced China-South Asia engagement in advancing regional peace, shared prosperity and sustainable development. He said the exposition and the Kunming Import & Export Fair provide valuable opportunities to deepen trade and investment ties while accelerating regional connectivity.

Commenting on the significance of the event, Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Vice President of SAARC CCI (Nepal Chapter), expressed confidence that the exposition would create new opportunities for trade, investment and business partnerships between South Asia and China. He said the participation of SAARC CCI President Chandi Raj Dhakal reflected the chamber's commitment to strengthening regional economic cooperation and delivering tangible benefits to the business community.

On the sidelines of the event, SAARC CCI Secretary General Zulfiqar Butt addressed the South Asia High-Quality Products Supply-Demand Matchmaking Conference, highlighting the growing economic interdependence between China and South Asia.

The six-day exposition, which runs until June 16, has brought together approximately 2,300 exhibitors from 68 countries and regions. More than 600 enterprises are showcasing products and services, reinforcing the event's growing stature as a key platform for international trade, investment promotion, innovation and regional economic cooperation.