The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber’s Sri Lanka–China Business Council (SLCHBC) hosted a business delegation from China’s Yunnan Province on 28 October 2026, opening discussions on trade, investment and commercial partnerships across a range of industries.
The delegation, led by the Yunnan Provincial Federation of Industry and Commerce, comprised representatives from leading companies in pharmaceuticals and healthcare, agriculture, dairy, industrial machinery, construction materials, IT, steel, tea, food manufacturing, hospitality and logistics. The meeting provided Sri Lankan businesses with an opportunity to engage directly with the visiting companies and explore areas of mutual interest.
Welcoming the delegation, Mr. Shiran Fernando, Secretary General and CEO of the Ceylon Chamber, noted that the visit came at a timely stage as Sri Lanka’s economy moves beyond stabilisation and focuses on growth, with opportunities emerging for businesses to expand trade and attract investment. Direct engagement between companies, he observed, can help identify areas where commercial interests align and lead to new business relationships.
Addressing the gathering, the President of the Sri Lanka–China Business Council noted that there is considerable scope to expand Sri Lanka’s exports to China and diversify the range of products entering the market. He observed that Sri Lanka’s export basket remains concentrated in a relatively small number of products, and that engagements such as this delegation visit can help local businesses identify new buyers, explore market opportunities and develop commercial relationships. He also pointed to areas of potential cooperation across agriculture, food processing, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, engineering and tourism.
Head of Delegation and Executive Vice Chairman of the Yunnan Provincial Federation of Industry and Commerce Mr. Pan Hongwei spoke of the growing scope for economic cooperation between the two countries. Outlining sectors the two countries trade in, including agri-products, pharmaceuticals, gems, rubber products, etc. he also drew attention to Yunnan’s position as China’s largest coffee-producing region, presenting another area for potential engagement in agricultural trade and related industries.
The range of businesses represented in the delegation included those engaged in agricultural and food products, industrial equipment, technology and healthcare. Discussions also provided a forum for companies to exchange information on their products, capabilities and interests in the two markets.
Through its work with the Sri Lanka–China Business Council, The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce continues to facilitate direct engagement between Sri Lankan businesses and international counterparts, helping companies identify new markets, establish commercial connections and pursue trade and investment opportunities.
