Sri Lanka, with its strategic hub connecting the East and West and an increasingly optimized investment environment, is becoming an important springboard for Chinese companies to explore overseas markets. On March 11th, the China Sri Lanka Industry Association and International Organization Representative Exchange Conference, hosted by the Sri Lanka National Convention Bureau and others, was successfully held in the capital Colombo. The Chinese delegation comes from 15 industries including tourism, mining, engineering and construction, economy, agriculture, energy, medicine, and urban industries. Both sides discussed how to deepen cooperation between industry associations and enterprises of the two countries, and exchanged the advantages and prospects of Chinese enterprises investing and developing in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka, known as the "pearl of the Indian Ocean", has a unique geographical location and a long tradition of maritime trade. It is a must pass destination for East West shipping and can radiate to regions such as South Asia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and East Africa. As an important node of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Sri Lanka has outstanding geographical advantages and significant investment potential in industries such as shipping and logistics. In recent years, China and Sri Lanka have broad prospects for cooperation in traditional fields such as processing and manufacturing, agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, as well as new business models such as green energy and digital economy. At present, the Sri Lankan government urgently hopes to achieve economic recovery and growth by attracting foreign investment, promoting exports and tourism.
Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman of the Sri Lankan National Convention Bureau, delivered a welcome speech.
Jayantha Gallehewa, President of the Sri Lanka Professional Association, delivered a speech.
Yao Hong, Vice Chairman of the Business Exhibition Industry Committee of the China Chamber of International Commerce, introduced the core opportunities for China Industry Association's exhibition activities to go global. Since the beginning of 2024, the trend of exhibition activities organized by Chinese industry associations going global has continued to heat up, and Chinese industry exhibition activities have moved from the "domestic home field" to the "global stage". Chinese industry associations create more business opportunities and build more economic and trade bridges connecting China and foreign countries in organizing exhibitions and conferences. The core opportunities for China's industry association exhibition activities to go global are mainly reflected in three aspects: firstly, the outbreak of demand in emerging markets, which has become the core increment for going global. Emerging markets such as ASEAN, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America have a strong recovery momentum and are currently in the stage of accelerated industrialization and urbanization, with strong demand for products such as machinery and equipment, new energy, building materials, and consumer goods; Secondly, the trade environment continues to optimize, and the threshold for going global is steadily decreasing. RCEP、 The China Europe CAI and other regional trade agreements continue to deepen, the level of cross-border trade facilitation continues to improve, and the efficiency of customs clearance of exhibition materials and personnel exchanges has significantly increased. At the same time, the process of restructuring the global industrial chain is accelerating, and multinational enterprises are promoting regional layout; Thirdly, there is a significant gap in the supply of international exhibitions, and Chinese enterprises have outstanding advantages. After years of development, China's exhibition industry has formed mature exhibition experience and a complete supply chain system. The exhibition cost is 20% -30% lower than that of European and American enterprises, and the application of digital technology is leading, which can effectively fill the supply gap in the international market and enhance the international competitiveness of China's exhibition industry. Sri Lanka, as an exhibition destination, has been actively building its attractiveness in the fields of international conferences, incentive tourism, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) in recent years. Colombo is the main venue for exhibitions in Sri Lanka, with modern venues such as the Sri Lanka Exhibition & Convention Centre, Bandaranaike International Convention Centre (BMICH), and the Asia New Exhibition Centre of City of Dreams. Through the exchange of industry association representatives from China and Sri Lanka, it is expected to consolidate and expand the strategic partnership between the two countries.
In the keynote speech segment, representatives from various industry associations in Sri Lanka and China conducted in-depth exchanges on traditional medicine, logistics and shipping, agricultural development, engineering and construction, green energy conservation, tourism, urban industries, and other fields, exploring the direction and development opportunities of bilateral cooperation. Representatives from 7 industry associations and international organizations in China, the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies, the Port and Shipping Supply Chain Branch of the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing, the Foreign Exchange Committee of the China Asian Economic Development Association, the China Building Energy Conservation Association, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce Urban Infrastructure Business Association, the Zhongguancun the Belt and Road Industry Promotion Association, and the Innovation and Development Working Committee of the China Private Science and Technology Industrialists Association respectively shared topics.
Wang Jing, Assistant Secretary General of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies, shared on the industrial development, international cooperation, and challenges of traditional medicine. Sri Lanka has a long history of Ayurvedic medicine and is considered an Eastern treasure along with Chinese traditional medicine. Based on the mission of promoting the international dissemination and development of traditional Chinese medicine, the Federation looks forward to deepening cooperation with Sri Lanka in three major areas, including promoting mutual recognition between China and Sri Lanka in traditional medicine standards and efficacy evaluation. We are willing to share our experience in developing international standards to assist Sri Lanka's traditional medicine in going global; Encourage enterprises from both countries to establish joint ventures and jointly develop herbal health products. Utilize the global communication network established by the Federation to jointly build a "Green Channel for Traditional Medicine Trade"; We plan to cultivate high-level talents for Sri Lanka by organizing medical, skill training, and qualification exams at all levels. At the same time, promote the landing of China's advanced traditional Chinese medicine extraction technology and quality control technology in Sri Lanka, and enhance its industrialization level. Faced with challenges such as the lack of international standards, insufficient scientific evidence, talent gaps, and cultural cognitive differences in the traditional medical industry. We propose to introduce the "research+standards" model into Sri Lanka, jointly publishing high-quality results and enhancing international recognition; Relying on the talent exchange and remote training services of the Federation, we will promote the mutual recognition of credits between Chinese and Sri Lankan universities, establish a "cloud based renowned doctor studio", and enable young Sri Lankan doctors to seek advice from Chinese masters in real time to solve the problem of uneven distribution of resources; Seeking resonance between traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda in the "holistic concept", and enhancing public recognition through joint free clinics, academic journal promotion, and other means. This year, the Federation will also launch a series of exchanges in South Asia and hold the "South Asian Traditional Medicine Conference" in Colombo, aiming to build Sri Lanka into a hub for cooperation in South Asian traditional medicine.
Li Yan, Executive Deputy Secretary General of the Port and Shipping Supply Chain Branch of the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing, and Deputy General Manager of Modern Logistics Magazine, hopes to jointly build an efficient and smooth logistics and supply chain "physical corridor" between China and Sri Lanka through the joint efforts of "industry organizations+professional media", and build a "Communication bridge" for information sharing, trust and mutual learning. She said that we need to promote the integrated development of port logistics and port related industries. Our port operation and shipping logistics member enterprises have rich experience and can help improve the operational efficiency of Hambantota Port and Colombo Port, especially in the construction and operation of smart ports, and carry out practical cooperation with Sri Lanka. Ensure the supply chain of major infrastructure projects. Sri Lanka's construction industry continues to develop, with broad demands in areas such as transportation, energy, and livelihood projects. This can effectively link Chinese building materials and metal circulation enterprises, and mutually benefit cooperation with the Sri Lankan project. Create a unique supply chain for aquatic products. China is the world's largest consumer market for aquatic products and also has a large number of professional cold chain logistics enterprises. In the future, we can explore full traceability supply chain cooperation from aquaculture to refrigerated transportation and sales to Chinese dining tables, and use e-commerce and new retail channels to help Sri Lankan tuna, sea cucumber and other high-quality products enter Chinese households. Carry out communication and cooperation between logistics and supply chain media. I hope that Modern Logistics Daily can have more dialogue and exchanges with Sri Lankan media, jointly organize international logistics and supply chain activities, promote dialogue and exchanges between logistics and supply chain enterprises of the two countries, regularly organize enterprise visits, and increase mutual understanding and business opportunities docking.
Tang Shuwei, Secretary General of the Foreign Exchange Committee of the China Asia Economic Development Association, stated in her keynote speech that China and Sri Lanka have strong economic complementarity, broad cooperation space, and enormous potential. They can focus on promoting cooperation in five major directions: talent cultivation, industrial investment, market connectivity, industrial upgrading, and mechanism docking. Relying on universities, vocational colleges, and industry associations, we will jointly establish training bases, conduct joint scientific research, and promote experience sharing in fields such as agricultural technology, digital economy, green energy, and port logistics. Focusing on advantageous fields such as port economy, modern agriculture, textile and clothing, tourism and cultural creativity, and new energy, we will support enterprises from both countries to establish joint ventures and jointly build industrial parks and production bases. Make good use of platforms such as the China International Import Expo, Canton Fair, and South Asia Expo to help Sri Lankan tea, gemstones, rubber, seafood, and other high-quality products enter the Chinese market; Promote cooperation between customs, inspection and quarantine of the two countries, simplify customs clearance processes, reduce trade costs, and improve logistics efficiency. We will carry out mature and applicable technology transfer and joint innovation in the fields of green and low-carbon, digital infrastructure, intelligent manufacturing, and deep processing of agricultural products. Assist Sri Lankan enterprises in improving production efficiency, product quality, and added value, enhancing international competitiveness, and promoting the transformation from resource exports to high value-added manufacturing. Share China's practical experience in park operation, business environment optimization, supply chain management, risk prevention and control, and provide full process support such as policy consultation, project planning, and implementation services. At the same time, in the process of promoting cooperation, facing the three major challenges of policy environment uncertainty, high supply chain costs, and foreign exchange risk pressure, the committee plays a bridging role and promotes the establishment of policy communication and information sharing mechanisms between the two countries; Establish a professional legal service team to provide compliance consulting, risk assessment, dispute resolution, and reduce institutional transaction costs for enterprises; Promote the "park+project" model, use standardized parks to carry out industrial landing, provide one-stop services, and simplify the landing process. Relying on the global network of the Asian Trade Center, build a platform for displaying and trading goods between China and Sri Lanka, and facilitate supply and demand docking; Coordinate Sri Lanka's tariff reform and gradual cancellation of import surcharges, guide enterprises to make good use of tax incentives, and reduce the cost of importing raw materials and equipment; Promote cooperation among ports, shipping, and logistics enterprises, optimize the multimodal transport system, and enhance the resilience and efficiency of the supply chain. Collaborate with financial institutions to develop credit, insurance, and guarantee products suitable for small and medium-sized projects, promote local currency settlement pilot programs, and reduce dependence on the US dollar; Connect with multilateral development agencies and bilateral cooperation funds to provide long-term low-cost financing for major projects; Establish a risk sharing mechanism, guide enterprises to use exchange rate hedging tools, and operate steadily.
Zou Yanqing, Executive Deputy Secretary General of China Building Energy Efficiency Association, stated in her sharing that the Chinese building energy efficiency industry is developing rapidly, but still faces a series of deep-seated major challenges in achieving comprehensive green transformation. These challenges are mainly reflected in the difficulty of transforming the huge stock, the complex transformation of energy consumption structure, the extensive operation and management, and the special difficulties in rural areas. Although China and Sri Lanka are separated by mountains and rivers, they have a long friendship. China is comprehensively promoting Chinese path to modernization with high-quality development. Sri Lanka is also steadily moving forward on the road of national reconstruction, showing greater resilience and potential. The Sri Lanka Green Building Council (GBCSL) has always been at the forefront of promoting sustainable practices in the construction industry. Through the initiatives of the Green Building Council, we aim to transform the built environment into a more sustainable and healthy community space. The Green Building Council of Sri Lanka (GBCSL) also advocates for the production of environmentally friendly products, encourages manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices, reduces their impact on the environment, and minimizes the adverse effects of the manufacturing process. By promoting the use of environmentally friendly products, GBCSL ensures that Sri Lanka's construction industry complies with sustainable development principles. I hope to work with colleagues in Sri Lanka to research better technological systems and more energy-efficient materials to solve the problem of green transformation and development. Jointly hold the China Sri Lanka Green Building and "Good House" High Quality Development Forum.
Han Xue, Deputy Secretary General of the All China Urban Infrastructure Chamber of Commerce, said that as a national social organization for urban construction and services related to infrastructure, the chamber is mainly composed of enterprises involved in the entire industry chain of urban construction and services, including planning and consulting, planning and design, investment and financing, engineering construction, industrial cultivation, and operation and maintenance services. The China Urban Infrastructure Investment and Development Annual Conference is a brand event of the All-China Urban Infrastructure Chamber of Commerce. It was founded in 2014 and has been successfully held for ten sessions as of 2025. Previous themes closely follow the economic and industry development situation, such as "New and old infrastructure, dual wheel drive" (2020), "New infrastructure and digital economy" (2021), and "Focusing on new goals for urban development and seizing new opportunities for urban construction" (2025). The annual meeting aims to provide members with a professional platform for authoritative sharing, information exchange, opportunity discovery, and collaborative development. I hope that the China Sri Lanka Urban Infrastructure Investment and Development Annual Conference can go abroad through the Global Service Platform of the All-China Urban Infrastructure Chamber of Commerce and explore the joint organization of the China Sri Lanka Urban Infrastructure Investment and Development Forum. In addition, relevant institutions and enterprises from Sri Lanka are also welcome to actively participate in events such as the "International Green Building and Building Energy Efficiency Conference and New Technology and Product Expo" and the "China Urban Water Development International Symposium and New Technology Equipment Expo" hosted by the All-China Urban Infrastructure Chamber of Commerce.
Liu Fang, Deputy Secretary General of the Cooperation Professional Committee of the Association of Zhongguancun the Belt and Road Industry Promotion Association, introduced that as the core position of China's scientific and technological innovation, Zhongguancun the Belt and Road Industry Promotion Association has been carrying the gene of openness and cooperation since its birth. It not only delves deep into China's Silicon Valley, but also serves as an open platform connecting global innovation resources. The Beijing Action Plan for Scientific and Technological Innovation along the Belt and Road (2025-2027) issued by the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and the Management Committee of the Zhongguancun the Belt and Road Industry Promotion Association has injected new impetus into the international layout of the enterprises of the Zhongguancun the Belt and Road Industry Promotion Association. In the future, we will have more enterprises entering Sri Lanka to carry out deeper technology transfer and industrial cooperation in fields such as agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure construction. In particular, the "Vine Plan" of the Promotion Association provides real workplace practice opportunities for international students through internship docking, inspection and training, and entrepreneurial incubation, allowing them to personally participate in project operations of Chinese technology enterprises and transform textbook knowledge into problem-solving skills; Leading young people into the entrepreneurship incubator on Zhongguancun Entrepreneurship Street, visiting the laboratory of the technology enterprise park, and having face-to-face communication with entrepreneurs; We will provide comprehensive support for international students with entrepreneurial intentions, from refining business models to matching entrepreneurial funds, from policy interpretation to market promotion.
Ou Yongchao, Chairman of the Innovation and Development Working Committee of the China Private Technology Entrepreneurs Association, believes that the committee is committed to building international exchange bridges and promoting private enterprises to "go global" and share opportunities with global partners. Deepen knowledge exchange and jointly cultivate and develop talents. We can establish a mechanism for exchange and mutual visits between think tanks, experts, and entrepreneurs. Organize seminars, training, and inspection activities around areas of concern in Sri Lanka such as digital economy, smart cities, and modern agriculture. Promote joint venture cooperation and achieve industrial prosperity. We encourage strong Chinese private enterprises to invest and establish joint ventures with local enterprises in Sri Lanka. Focus on the following directions: jointly developing marine and tourism resources to enhance added value; Cooperate to develop the information technology industry, build software parks, and cultivate local IT talents; Exploring PPP models in the field of infrastructure, introducing advanced Chinese technology and equipment to help Sri Lanka improve its level of connectivity. Promote trade facilitation and smooth economic circulation. We will leverage the platform of the association to organize Chinese private enterprises to participate in the Sri Lanka Commodity Fair, and invite Sri Lankan enterprises to participate in large-scale exhibitions such as the Canton Fair and Import Expo. Promote the docking between the two countries in terms of quality standards, customs procedures, etc., reduce trade barriers, make it more convenient for high-quality products such as Sri Lankan black tea and gemstones to enter the Chinese market, and also enable China's high-tech products to better serve the people of Sri Lanka. Strengthen technology transfer and stimulate innovation vitality. With the support of both governments, we can explore the establishment of a China Sri Lanka Science and Technology Park or Innovation Center as a platform for technology transfer and industrial incubation. We will focus on promoting cooperation in renewable energy, agricultural technology, marine technology and other fields, and encourage Chinese private enterprises to cooperate with Sri Lanka's scientific research institutions and universities for joint technology research and development and achievement transformation. Focus on capacity building and solidify the foundation of development. We will support Chinese private enterprises in fulfilling their social responsibilities and assist Sri Lanka in cultivating local talents, especially in the digital economy era, by establishing scholarships and conducting vocational training to help young people master digital skills. The association is willing to cooperate with the Sri Lankan government, National Convention Bureau, Sri Lankan Chamber of Commerce, and industry associations to jointly organize exchange activities such as the China Sri Lanka Business Technology Innovation Forum.
World Historic and Cultural Canal Cities Cooperation Organization (WCCO), along with international organizations and associations from China such as Grand Canal Media, China Natural Rubber Association, China Aquatic Products Circulation and Processing Association, China Smart Engineering Research Association, and Beijing Photography Art Association, had written exchanges with Sri Lanka.
Wang Huijun, Deputy Secretary General of WCCO and Chief Editor of Grand Canal Media. In 2009, Yangzhou, together with nearly 100 canal cities at home and abroad, initiated the establishment of the World Canal Historical and Cultural Cities Cooperation Organization (WCCO) to promote economic and cultural exchanges between world canal cities and effectively promote the successful application of China's Grand Canal for World Heritage status. Make every effort to build the World Canal City Forum brand. Establish a "World Canal Ancient Town Cooperation Mechanism", a "Canal City Boutique Scenic Area Cooperation Mechanism", and a "World Canal City Hospital Cooperation Mechanism". Explore media and promote the international dissemination of canal culture. Creatively collaborating with media groups to establish an international communication media platform - Grand Canal Media, dedicated to promoting international dissemination and exchange of canal culture through diversified communication channels. And constructed a multimedia matrix led by WCCO's Chinese and English website, the "Canal City" Chinese and English client, edited the "Voice of the River" magazine, formed a communication alliance with dozens of international mainstream media, and achieved multi-channel international communication layout. Hope to promote the formation of friendly cities between Chinese cities and Sri Lankan cities; Inviting leaders from the Sri Lankan government, enterprises, and associations to attend major events in China; Promoting major international conferences and events to be held in Sri Lanka, such as the World Canal City Hospital Cooperation Mechanism Forum, where attendees are mostly top hospital directors, top medical experts, and renowned pharmaceutical companies from around the world. This will have significant implications for promoting the development of Sri Lanka's exhibition and medical industries; Forming an international communication alliance with Sri Lankan media, the friendship between the country lies in people to people matchmaking, and people to people matchmaking lies in mutual understanding. International media communication is an essential link.
Peng Yuanming, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of China Natural Rubber Association. As early as 1952, China and Sri Lanka signed the famous "Rubber Rice Pact", exchanging rice for rubber. This is not only an important beginning of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, but also a history of "true friendship in times of hardship" witnessed by natural rubber. At present, China's natural rubber industry is in a critical stage of transitioning from "scale expansion" to "high-quality development", and has become a globally influential producer and consumer power.
We are striving to build a green, efficient, and safe natural rubber industry system to better ensure the stability of the industrial and supply chains, while actively responding to the requirements of global climate governance and sustainable development. I hope to further strengthen cooperation and exchanges under the joint promotion and organization of both associations. One is to strengthen the exchange of industrial information and technology. Establish a normalized industry exchange mechanism, regularly conduct technical seminars, industry dialogues, and enterprise exchange activities. The second is to promote industrial investment and joint venture cooperation. Build a platform for enterprise cooperation and docking, actively promote investment cooperation and joint venture projects between both parties in the fields of natural rubber processing, high-end rubber product manufacturing, industrial park construction, and industrial chain extension. The third is to promote trade facilitation and market cooperation. Relying on the industry resources and organizational advantages of both associations, we will strengthen communication and coordination, timely reflect the demands of enterprises, promote the improvement of the trade environment, create more stable, transparent and efficient trade conditions for enterprises, and further expand the market cooperation space between the two countries. The fourth is to strengthen talent cultivation and capacity building. By organizing various forms such as training courses, technical exchange activities, industry forums, and enterprise visits, we promote the exchange of professional and management talents, enhance the professional capabilities of the industry talent team, and provide solid talent support for the long-term development of the natural rubber industry.
Sun Yaling, Deputy Secretary General of the China Aquatic Products Circulation and Processing Association. The fishery cooperation between China and Sri Lanka is accelerating and deepening under the framework of the "Blue Partnership". The cooperation mode has shifted from traditional fishing operations to a diversified pattern covering technology output, joint scientific research, investment and construction of factories, and ocean governance. Last month, the Chinese ambassador met with the Sri Lankan minister and reiterated their commitment to technical assistance in sustainable fisheries development and marine resource management. The association hopes to actively promote dialogue and exchanges between the two countries' aquatic circulation and processing enterprises, regularly organize mutual visits between enterprises, and increase mutual understanding and business opportunities. In June, the association will jointly organize the "China Sri Lanka Aquatic Products Trade Matchmaking and Investment Negotiation Conference" with the Sri Lanka Export Development Authority to promote aquatic trade between the two countries, further understand the specific preferential investment policies in the local fishing industry, clarify cooperation details, establish a China Sri Lanka fishing enterprise docking platform, and promote the effective implementation of cooperation between the two sides.
Xie Yijiong, Executive Member of the China Intelligent Engineering Research Association. In terms of international cooperation and partnership, the seminar attaches great importance to the opportunities of bilateral cooperation between China and Sri Lanka, and regards Sri Lanka as a key partner in the "the Belt and Road" smart field cooperation. The traditional friendship between China and Sri Lanka is profound, with strong complementarity in areas such as digital economy, education and technology, ecological environment protection, and intelligent infrastructure, and broad cooperation space. Focus on five major cooperation directions: firstly, knowledge exchange, jointly building a Sino Sri Lanka Smart Engineering Joint Think Tank, conducting academic seminars, expert visits, joint scientific research, and sharing experience in smart technology research and industrial development; The second is joint ventures, which promote Sino Sri Lankan enterprises to jointly build factories in the fields of smart education equipment, intelligent water management, green energy, etc., and implement localized production and operation to drive local industrial development; The third is trade facilitation, building a smart product and technology trade platform, simplifying the customs clearance process for smart education equipment, intelligent solutions and other products, and promoting smooth bilateral trade; The fourth is technology transfer, transferring mature technologies such as smart education, digital governance, and drinking water safety treatment to Sri Lanka to help break through technological bottlenecks; Fifth, capacity building. Relying on the "the Belt and Road" vocational education project, we will jointly build Luban workshops and smart education training bases to train professionals in information technology, engineering technology, digital education and other fields for Sri Lanka, and strengthen talent reserves. At present, the Chinese aid to Sri Lanka's education digital transformation project has been officially launched, and the research association will deeply participate in it, promote the construction of smart classrooms, share digital teaching resources, and help Sri Lanka's high-quality education development.
Liu Dong, director of the Beijing Photography Art Association. As the core organizer of this event, Ms. Achini from the Sri Lanka National Convention Bureau coordinated the entire process and ensured the successful holding of the event with a professional and rigorous attitude. Sri Lanka has abundant tourism resources, ranging from the millennium sky palace scenery of Lion Rock, to the holy Buddha light of Kandy Buddha Temple, from the misty clouds of high mountain tea gardens, to the historical charm of the ancient city of Galle. It has unique value in natural scenery, cultural history, and ecological tourism, and has broad prospects for internationalization of tourism resources. From the perspective of the Photography Art Association, unique materials such as the traditional skills of stilt fishermen, the cultural atmosphere of tea picking in tea gardens, and the dreamy atmosphere of sea trains can be focused on to create image works with international dissemination power. Both sides can deepen cooperation on issues such as image shooting route planning and cultural content integration and dissemination, and promote Sri Lanka's tourism resources and enhance cultural exchanges between the two countries through images.
Mr. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development of Sri Lanka, who specially attended the conference, made a presentation. Sri Lanka has identified five key investment source markets worldwide, and China will be one of the largest investment markets in Sri Lanka. Most association organizations have strong capabilities in various fields and have proven their strength in the global market. In terms of products, Sri Lanka has a range of high-quality products exported globally; In the service sector, the tourism industry, marine industry, and technology industry are rapidly rising. In addition to traditional industries, the local government is actively promoting agricultural value-added and exploring new tourism formats, especially in the field of health tourism, to help Sri Lanka build a high-end tourism destination. Therefore, we hope to find partners to jointly promote various undertakings. We are making a lot of efforts to ensure that Sri Lanka can be closely connected with the rest of the world, minimizing bureaucracy and having digital technology to enable efficient investment operations. We have adjusted our tariff policy and will implement new tariff policies starting this year, which will help us establish cooperative relationships with the African market, Indian market, and East Asian market. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka maintains political neutrality, which enables us to cooperate with Western, Eastern, European, and Middle Eastern countries. For Chinese investors, this will be a springboard to enter the Indian and African markets.
Before the meeting, a Sri Lankan lighting and prayer ceremony with a strong South Asian flavor was held.
In recent days, the delegation has also entered Colombo Port City, a key project of the "the Belt and Road" jointly built by China and Sri Lanka. Building this important hub of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Port City is the largest foreign direct investment project in Sri Lanka to date. The project is invested, constructed and operated by China Harbour Engineering Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Group Co., Ltd. It has been selected as one of the "Five New Cities that Will Influence the Future" by Forbes magazine in the United States.
