The Sri Lanka–China Business Council (SLCHBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce held its 24th Annual General Meeting on 3 July 2025 at the Port City Sales Gallery in Colombo, reaffirming efforts to expand bilateral trade and investment.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Geng Zichao, Second Secretary, highlighted China’s 2024 GDP of US$18.94 trillion and 5.4% growth in Q1 2025. He noted that trade between Sri Lanka and China surged 30.4% year-on-year to US$5.365 billion, the fastest growth rate in South Asia, and underscored China’s role as Sri Lanka’s largest foreign investor through projects such as the Colombo Port City and Southern Expressway.
He also pointed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s state visit to China in January 2025, during which 15 cooperation agreements were signed in sectors including infrastructure, green energy, and tourism.
SLCHBC President and Sinwa Holdings Group Director, Haroun Cader, said the Council had built momentum since its last AGM, citing the success of the Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Forum in May 2025. While acknowledging the trade imbalance—exports to China stood at about US$250 million versus imports over US$3 billion—he outlined plans to boost Sri Lanka’s presence in Chinese markets, including participation at the Canton Fair.
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to advancing trade, investment, and business partnerships between the two countries.
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