China affirms strategic trade and investment commitment to Sri Lanka under BRI

■Four top Chinese Chambers of Commerce pledge to boost economic partnership with SL at 2025 Trade and Investment Forum ■Focuses enhanced economic cooperation with SL across machinery, agriculture, textiles and private investments ■CCCME Vice President Liu Chun highlights 74% YoY growth in machinery and electronics trade and calls for deeper manufacturing and tech cooperation ■CFNA President Cao Derong praises Sri Lanka's black tea success; calls for stronger supply chains and quality control in seafood, fruits and spices ■CCCT Vice Chairman Zhang Xi'an stresses textile sector integration, citing Sri Lanka's EU market access as draw for Chinese investment ■CICCPS Vice President Yan Gaoming proposes to finalise China-Sri Lanka FTA, create industrial zones in Colombo and Hambantota, use local currency to mitigate forex risk in joint infrastructure and energy projects

- BY CHARUMINI DE SILVA

THE four leading Chinese Chambers of Commerce last week expressed their shared commitment to economic partnership with Sri Lanka across key industries of machinery and electronics, agriculture and foodstuff, textiles and apparel and private sector investments under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

These remarks were made at the 'Sri Lanka-China Trade and Investment Forum 2025' co-hosted by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka-China Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME).

This high-profile event attended by Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, Chinese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, along with 115 delegates representing 77 Chinese companies, highlighted strategic cooperation, sectoral growth and future synergies to explore deepening bilateral ties.

The forum also served as a vibrant platform to promote and enhance investment opportunities and industrial collaboration between China and Sri Lanka.

CCCME Vice President Liu Chun outlined the strategic importance of bilateral cooperation in manufacturing and technology, citing a remarkable 74% year-on-year (YoY) increase in trade of machinery and electronic goods, which reached $ 2.29 billion out of a total $ 5.36 billion bilateral trade.

"Under the guidance of the State leaders of both countries, the strategic cooperation partnership between the two nations with the sincere mutual assistance and the enduring goodwill has grown even stronger," she said.