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“The CIIE helps developing countries integrate into

global value chains”

“进博会帮助发展中国家融入全球价值链”

By Zu Hongbing, Wang Jingzhong, and Guo Yao □ 祖红兵 王靖中 郭瑶 / 文

“The CIIE demonstrates China’s tremendous efforts to medicinal herbs and light industrial manufactures. We should
promote global trade by opening its vast domestic market to also prioritize service trade, especially tourism, and attract
the world,” said Dr. Prakash Kumar Shrestha, Nepali mone- Chinese investment through the CIIE, thereby enhancing the
tary economist and former Executive Director of Nepal Rastra value-added of our exports.”
Bank. He emphasized that this import-focused international He acknowledged, however, that Nepal’s exports to China
expo holds special significance for developing nations. remain limited, constrained by technological capacity, finan-
Shrestha pointed out that aid alone cannot drive economic cial resources, and non-tariff barriers such as infrastructure
growth in developing countries. By hosting the CIIE, China connectivity challenges. To address these obstacles, he urged
offers less-developed nations a new pathway to development Nepali businesses to leverage the CIIE’s dialogue platform to
through exports. proactively engage Chinese investors and explore joint ven-
“In my view, the CIIE is a model for advancing shared tures tailored specifically for the Chinese market. Moreover,
global prosperity,” he said. “Other advanced economies should Shrestha highlighted policy synergies: Nepal’s newly issued
follow this example to help developing countries better inte- Trade Policy 2025 aligns well with China’s zero-tariff treat- pal’s International Trade Fair, jointly injecting fresh momen-
grate into global value chains.” ment for 100% of tariff lines from South Asian least-devel- tum into bilateral trade.
China is Nepal’s second-largest trading partner and its oped countries. Together, these measures are expected to sig- “As China continues to expand openness and unleash
largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI). Shrestha nificantly reduce trade costs and accelerate Nepal’s economic consumer potential, the CIIE will play an even greater role,”
noted that while Nepal currently exports mostly primary prod- development and regional integration. Shrestha concluded. “The future holds vast opportunities for
ucts to China, the CIIE provides a crucial platform for export Notably, China-Nepal exhibition cooperation is becoming deeper China-Nepal economic and trade cooperation.”
diversification. “Although we may not yet export high-tech increasingly reciprocal. Nepali companies leverage Chinese
goods, we can promote high-value agricultural products like platforms such as the CIIE to access the market, while Chinese
delegations have for eight consecutive years engaged with Ne-

“Trade can be a bridge of friendship”

“贸易能成为友谊之桥”

By Zhang Min □ 张敏 / 文

th
Amid the lively pavilions of the 8 CIIE, Sri Lankan busi- a new chapter in his CIIE journey.
nessman Chiranjaya Udumullage, an exhibitor at all eight Through years of exhibiting, Chiranjaya observed strong
editions, enthusiastically introduces visitors to specialties from Chinese interest in Sri Lankan tea and spices. Yet, authentic Sri
his homeland: Ceylon tea, spices, coconut products, and gin- Lankan cuisine remained scarce in the local market. This in-
ger soda. sight inspired a clear idea: to bring genuine Sri Lankan flavors
His CIIE story goes far beyond annual participation; it is straight to Beijing. Soon after, a Sri Lankan-themed restaurant
a moving narrative interwoven with family legacy, personal opened in the capital, serving as a new “bridge of flavor” for
dreams, and Chinese opportunity. cultural exchange.
“I attended the very first CIIE,” Chiranjaya recalled, still For Chiranjaya, the CIIE is far more than a marketplace,
awed by his initial entry into the National Exhibition and Con- especially in today’s world of intertwined opportunities and
vention Center, the iconic “Four-Leaf Clover” venue. “The challenges.
scale and professionalism far exceeded my expectations.” His “Here, small enterprises stand alongside global brands,
Sri Lankan teas sold out during that debut, securing numerous united in the belief that cooperation outweighs competition,” Asked about what has changed and what hasn’t at the CIIE,
advance orders and inspiring a firm vow: to return every single he noted. “With its consistent scale and influence, the CIIE Chiranjaya offered a thoughtful response. “The core has never
year. is a powerful signal of China’s commitment to openness and changed; it has always been about people, connection, and
Behind this vow lies a story of family legacy. Chiranjaya’s shared opportunity. A national fair dedicated to imports reflects opportunity. That spirit of openness, unity, inclusiveness, and
late father, Tilak Udumullage, served as Vice President of the both confidence and vision. For countries like Sri Lanka, it warmth remains constant, year after year.” What has evolved
Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooper- means we can enter the world’s most dynamic consumer mar- is the expo’s scale and sophistication, with digital innovations
ation. “Since childhood, I watched him quietly build bridges ket not as petitioners, but as partners.” now enabling even small exhibitors like him to reach wider
between our peoples through cultural exchange,” he recalled. From an early age inspired by his father’s affection for audiences.
“He believed that true connection grows from friendship and China, to earning a scholarship to study there, witnessing the As he looks to the future, Chiranjaya hopes the CIIE will
mutual respect.” Now, on the CIIE stage, Chiranjaya continues 2008 Beijing Olympics, and becoming a “perfect attendee” of draw in more developing nations and small enterprises, am-
this mission, through trade and shared culinary experiences. the CIIE, Chiranjaya’s life has paralleled China’s remarkable plifying the voices and products that deserve a worldwide
“Every product we offer is more than a transaction; it carries ascent. “My path over the past twenty years has been deeply audience. To fellow global entrepreneurs, he offers this coun-
forward a deep-rooted friendship between our nations.” intertwined with China’s rise,” he reflected. “In many ways, I sel: “Come with a vision, not just products. Here, genuine
Guided by sharp business acumen, Chiranjaya has opened have grown up alongside the country itself.” exchange can transform trade into a bridge of friendship.”