Prasad Wijesuriya, general secretary of the Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association, receives an interview with Xinhua News Agency in Colombo, Sri Lanka, June 10, 2025. (Xinhua)

by Xinhua writer Chen Dongshu

COLOMBO, June 19 (Xinhua) -- China, by steadfastly promoting high-level opening-up and expanding imports of quality goods and services, stands as a reliable partner for Sri Lanka and other South Asian countries in tackling economic challenges, stated Prasad Wijesuriya, general secretary of the Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association.

The 9th China-South Asia Expo, themed "Solidarity and Cooperation for Common Development," is being held from June 19 to 24 in Kunming, southwestern China's Yunnan Province.

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua ahead of his departure for the expo, Wijesuriya emphasized that free and open trade is crucial for small, export-dependent economies like Sri Lanka. He noted that amid rising global trade protectionism, China's unwavering commitment to high-level opening-up and firm upholding of international fairness, justice, and the multilateral trading system injects greater stability and certainty into the global economy.

He highlighted that in recent years, China has shared opportunities for a vast market with countries including Sri Lanka through platforms like the China-South Asia Expo and the China International Import Expo (CIIE). This has greatly encouraged Sri Lankan producers, especially in the agriculture, aquaculture, and apparel sectors.

"The strengthening of trade ties with China reinforces our confidence in a shared future built on mutual benefit, fairness, and global cooperation," he said.

Wijesuriya believes the China-South Asia Expo has become a vital platform for South Asian nations to engage in mutually beneficial cooperation and enhance economic and trade ties with China. "Many Sri Lankan exporters, entrepreneurs, and investors recognize the expo fosters a high-level platform to build partnerships with their Chinese counterparts, helping strengthen trade, tourism, and cultural links between the two countries, thereby promoting common development."

Wijesuriya said this is his second consecutive year attending the China-South Asia Expo. "This year, Sri Lanka is the 'Theme Country' for the expo, which is both an honor and a strategic opportunity for us," he said. Sri Lanka plans to establish a "Ceylon Cultural Experience Hall" at the expo to promote Ceylon tea, gems, and spices like cinnamon to Chinese friends, hoping to deepen cultural exchanges and economic cooperation through "cultural diplomacy."

Speaking about his impressions of Yunnan, the host province of the Expo, Wijesuriya told Xinhua that Yunnan is not only picturesque with a pleasant climate and rich biodiversity, but also a crucial gateway to Southwest China. "My experience in Kunming last year was remarkable. It showcased how Yunnan embodies both tradition and modernity, while acting as a frontier of connectivity."

He added that Yunnan has not only built physical corridors through the Belt and Road Initiative but also established digital channels via cross-border e-commerce, logistics, and service trade, making it a key hub for promoting regional economic integration. As South Asia accelerates its digital transformation, Yunnan will play an even more important role in promoting shared development and deepening regional connectivity. ■