Kunming - The 9th China-South Asia Expo is held in Kunming, Yunnan Province, from June 19 to 24. This year's event has drawn representatives from 73 countries, regions, and international organizations, with over 2,500 companies participating, covering every country in South and Southeast Asia.

The 9th China-South Asia Expo opens in Kunming on June 19, 2025. (Photo/Chen Chang)

A platform for regional collaboration and economic growth

Carrying the theme of "Solidarity and Coordination for Common Development," the Expo highlights Sri Lanka as the country of honor. Nearly 70% of the event’s 16 exhibition halls are dedicated to specialized sectors, including advanced manufacturing, green energy, coffee, and traditional Chinese medicine, reflecting growing economic cooperation potential between China, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. 

For South Asian countries, the Expo offers an expanded platform, featuring two dedicated South Asia Pavilions and nearly 800 booths. Notably, India and Pakistan each have 140 booths, the most among the participating countries.

The South Asia Pavilion of the 9th China-South Asia Expo. (Photo/Chen Chang)

Since its inception, the Expo has hosted more than 20,000 enterprises and facilitated foreign trade deals exceeding $110 billion, becoming a key driver for deepening exchanges and cooperation between China and South Asian countries.

According to China's Ministry of Commerce, the trade volume between China and South Asia is expected to reach $200 billion in 2024—doubling the level from a decade ago —with an average annual growth rate of 6.3%. China remains the largest trading partner for countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The Expo attracts participants and visitors from around the world. James, a visitor from the United States attending for the third time, shared his excitement about exploring the Coffee Industry Pavilion and sampling Yunnan coffee. "It's a great opportunity for Asian countries in the region to come together and discuss ways they can mutually benefit from trade and economic development," he said. 

Christine Hettiarachchi, an editor from Sri Lanka, highlighted the support China extended to her country during its crisis two years ago. "I didn't feel like a tourist here—everyone is warmly welcoming me. It feels like a second home, and we’re all connected as Asians."

For Neepabithi Ghosh, a singer from India, the Expo was her first visit to the country. She performed as part of India’s delegation and praised the experience, especially her interactions with local students. She explained that music knows no borders, whether it’s about life, love, or friendship, we’re all here to spread goodwill and connection.

Showcasing Chongqing's Innovation and the Rise of Western China

This year, more than ten companies from Chongqing are exhibiting at the Expo, including Sevnce Robotics, Seres Auto, and Loncin Motor. While Chongqing is widely recognized for its robust manufacturing sector, several innovative small and medium-sized enterprises are also in the spotlight. 

One example is Chongqing Shuihuotu Food Industry Co., Ltd., which specializes in water shield, an aquatic vegetable often referred to as "ginseng of the water." Water shield is a specialty of Shizhu County in Chongqing and is a prized ingredient in high-end Japanese, Italian, and French cuisine. Globally, only China and Japan produce water shield, with Shizhu supplying 70% of the world's total.

Chongqing’s booth at the 9th China-South Asia Expo. (Photo/Chen Chang)

The company's ready-to-eat water shield product is the first of its kind in China, filling a gap in the domestic market.

"Our products are all-natural and popular in Japan and South Korea," said Li Qin, the company’s deputy general manager. "Last year, we signed an $80 million export order with Japan. Now, at the Expo, we hope to expand our reach to more international and domestic customers."

Beyond trade and cultural exchange, the Expo highlights the growing role of western Chinese cities—like Chongqing and Yunnan—in China’s high-level opening-up and global cooperation.

As gateways to South and Southeast Asia, these cities are strengthening their international ties. ASEAN remains Chongqing’s largest trading partner, and collaboration with South Asian countries is deepening.

According to Zhou Mi, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, “Western cities in China have a similar, or even stronger, willingness to open up than eastern parts. The Expo provides valuable opportunities for these regions, which are geographically closer to South and Southeast Asia.”

He notes that Chongqing positions itself as a highland of openness and has established cooperation mechanisms with countries such as Singapore. “Chongqing and Yunnan specialize in different areas—Chongqing in electronics and the auto industry, Yunnan in geographic connectivity—yet both are essential players in China’s regional collaboration with neighboring countries."

Lin Minwang, professor and vice dean at the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, adds that the cultural and geographical ties between western China and South and Southeast Asia provide a solid foundation for people-to-people connections.

He also highlights the need for greater coordination, division of labor, and capacity-building among western provinces. "Western cities must strengthen their willingness to open up, continuously improve their capabilities, and be ready to meet the challenges that come with international engagement."

The 9th China-South Asia Expo not only demonstrates China’s expanding economic and cultural ties with South and Southeast Asia but also underscores the growing influence of western Chinese cities in the country’s broader strategy of openness and international cooperation. As these regions continue to innovate and strengthen partnerships, they are playing an increasingly prominent role on the global stage.