by Raheela Nazir
ISLAMABAD, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The China-South Asia Expo, running from June 11 to 16 in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, will inject fresh momentum into regional economic cooperation and global prosperity by creating new opportunities for trade, investment and industrial cooperation between China and South Asian countries, said a Pakistani official.
In an interview with Xinhua, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Chief Executive Faiz Ahmed said that the expo has become much more than a trade exhibition, serving as a platform that brings together governments, businesses, industry associations and researchers to explore fresh avenues for economic cooperation.
Highlighting the expo's role in facilitating trade diversification and investment cooperation, the official said participating countries have opportunities to showcase innovative products, explore emerging markets and strengthen supply chain cooperation in areas ranging from manufacturing and agriculture to digital economy and green development.
For Pakistan, Ahmed believed that the expo would create fresh opportunities for economic cooperation, while providing an important platform for businesses from both countries to deepen engagement in emerging sectors.
He said China has, over the years, developed strong capabilities in advanced manufacturing, automation, industrial parks, and supply chain management.
"South Asian countries, including Pakistan, can benefit from China by technology transfer, adopting modern production techniques as well as improving productivity and product quality, which would help local industries become more competitive in international markets," he added.
As the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) enters a new phase focused on industrialization, agriculture, science and technology and people-centered development, the official said such platforms can help identify practical projects and attract greater private-sector participation.
According to Ahmed, Pakistan stands to benefit from greater exposure to Chinese markets and investors through participation in the expo.
"Pakistan possesses significant strengths in agriculture, food processing, textiles, minerals, information technology and tourism. The expo gives Pakistani companies an opportunity to showcase their products and capabilities to a large audience of Chinese buyers, investors and business partners."
While highlighting the growing importance of cooperation in innovation and the digital economy, he said China has made remarkable progress in areas such as e-commerce, digital payments, smart manufacturing and technological innovation, and the South Asian nations, especially Pakistan, can benefit from that.
Ahmed also pointed to the potential for enhanced collaboration in green development and sustainable growth.
"South Asian countries are increasingly focused on sustainable development goals. The expo can facilitate cooperation in renewable energy, green technologies and climate-resilient infrastructure, areas that will be critical for future economic growth."
Beyond trade and investment, Ahmed stressed the importance of strengthening people-to-people exchanges.
"Economic cooperation is strongest when it is supported by deeper cultural understanding and human connections," he said, adding that the expo promotes exchanges among entrepreneurs, researchers and youth representatives.
Expressing optimism about the event, the official noted that the expo reflects a shared commitment to openness, connectivity and mutually beneficial cooperation. "For both China and Pakistan, it offers a valuable opportunity to deepen practical collaboration and promote inclusive growth." Enditem
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