Representatives deliver speeches during the symposium. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

A symposium for promoting the seventh China International Import Expo was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Jan 23 local time.

Marking the first offline event of its kind in the country, this gathering is seen as crucial in encouraging active participation from Sri Lankan businesses in the expo and fostering economic and trade cooperation between China and Sri Lanka.

Addressing the attendees, Li Guangjun, economic and commercial counselor of the Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka, emphasized that the CIIE reflects China's dedication to sharing its vast market with Sri Lanka.

Over the past six years, the CIIE has supported enterprises worldwide, including those in Sri Lanka, to explore the vast Chinese market and contributed to the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, said Li.

Ning Feng, president of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the venue for CIIE, expressed that the expo is committed to providing support and assistance for more Sri Lankan businesses and quality products to enter the Chinese market.

Kingsley Bernard, chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB), said SLEDB will actively mobilize businesses to participate in this year's expo.

At the event, SLEDB confirmed the signing of a memorandum of cooperation with the CIIE, and Ceylon Tips Branding Pvt Ltd confirmed its participation at the seventh CIIE by signing an agreement.

While in Sri Lanka, the CIIE work team also visited local institutions such as SLEDB, Cargills (Ceylon) Plc, and the Colombo International Container Terminals and invited them to participate in the CIIE.

By Zhao Guangmei