Kathmandu-“South Asia, with its vast market potential and growing economies, presents a promising destination
for Chinese investors and businesses seeking to expand their footprint in the region” stated Mr. Chandi
Raj Dhakal.
This was stated by Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal, Acting President, SAARC Chamber of Commerce and
Industry who led a high-level business delegation from South Asia to participate in the 17th China-South
Asia Business Forum, in Kunming, China.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, he said that SAARC is a region of opportunities, commonalities, and civilizations this region encourages all stakeholders to explore the vast range of sectors and industries where collaboration can thrive. The possibilities are endless, from infrastructure development and energy cooperation to tourism, manufacturing, and information technology.
The 17th China-South Asia Business Forum convened under the theme “Unblocking Supply Chains, Fostering New Development”, a cornerstone event fostering economic ties in Wyndham Yunnan Hotel, Kinming, China. This year, the rotating chair of CSABF was with Pakistan.
His Excellency, Mr. Khalil-ur-Rahman Hashmi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China in his address stated that Pakistan deeply values its exceptional and longstanding friendship with China. The two nations are bound not only by geographical features like land, rivers, and mountains but also by a heartfelt bond built on mutual respect, trust, solidarity, and unwavering support.
Our relationship remains a cornerstone of peace and stability in the region and beyond. The ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), exemplifies our win-win cooperation,” he added.
Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Senior Vice President, FPCCI emphasized the role of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, that has played a major role in enhancing trade opportunities, stimulating investment and developing economic cooperation of Pakistan.
Addressing the forum, Mr. Zulfiqar Butt, Secretary General, SAARC CCI, stated, “We the
SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, treasure and value our partnership with the CCPIT
Yunnan and are affirmed to provide every possible assistance to the CCPIT Yunnan for
commercial cooperation between SAARC and China.”
He further added, “South Asian nations are one of the biggest markets and potent economies of the world. The time demands us to explore and unleash these economic potentials and joint reap the benefits.”
The forum was also addressed by Dr. Ajay Sahai, Director General & CEO of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO), Mr. Tandy Wangchuk, Chairman, Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Agha Hunain Abbas Khan, Pakistan Acting Consul General, Mr. Shabbir Hassan Mansha, Former Vice President, FPCCI, Mr. Zaman Popal, Deputy Chairman, Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Hem Raj Dhakal, Vice Chairman, Nepal Federation of Industry and Commerce, Ms. Shrestha Jyotsna, Executive Committee Member, SAARC CCI (Nepal), Ms. Sahibzadi Mahin Khan, Executive Committee Member, SCWEC (Pakistan), and Mr. Saranga Wijeyarathne, Director, Sri Lanka Federation of Industry and Commerce.
South Asian leaders have invited Chinese enterprises to explore investment opportunities in mutually beneficial areas, particularly in non-conventional sectors.
On the sidelines of forum, the 8th China- South Asia Expo & 28th China Kunming Export & Import Fair commenced on July 23, 2024, in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China co-organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the People’s Government of Yunnan Province.
This year, SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s pavilion features 51 stalls and incorporates a special exhibition area for Pakistan, the theme country. Since its inception, CSAE has been instrumental in deepening and expanding trade ties between China and South Asian countries, with seven successful editions to date. The expo continues to serve as a strategic platform for policy exchanges, commodity trading, and investment collaboration.
