2024 Sichuan - South Asia & Southeast Asia Business Development Cooperation Conference
September 11, 2024, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
The SCCI in collaboration with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Sichuan Council, People’s Government of Sichuan organized the 2024 Sichuan - South Asia & Southeast Asia Business Development Cooperation Conference convened on September 11, 2024, in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China under the theme “Green, Open and Sharing”- Together Build the Belt and Road and Draw a Blueprint for Cooperation”. Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal, Acting President of SCCI, shared that South Asia is one of the largest markets in the world in terms of size and capacity. With untapped natural, social, and economic resources, it offers various investable opportunities. However, South Asia is confronted with several challenges, such as deficient technological infrastructure.
The SCCI in collaboration with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Sichuan Council, People’s Government of Sichuan organized the 2024 Sichuan - South Asia & Southeast Asia Business Development Cooperation Conference convened on September 11, 2024, in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China under the theme “Green, Open and Sharing”- Together Build the Belt and Road and Draw a Blueprint for Cooperation”. Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal, Acting President of SCCI, shared that South Asia is one of the largest markets in the world in terms of size and capacity. With untapped natural, social, and economic resources, it offers various investable opportunities. However, South Asia is confronted with several challenges, such as deficient technological infrastructure.
“China has invested significantly in South Asian countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Expansion into other areas like Bangladesh and India can further enhance trade routes and reduce logistic costs within the region” said Mr. Dhakal. He further highlighted the expertise of Chinese companies, especially those from Sichuan, in developing large-scale infrastructure, suggesting potential collaborations on projects such as power plants, airports, and smart cities throughout South Asia.
In his remarks, Mr. Hu Yun, Vice Governor of Sichuan Provincial People's Government reiterated the need to strengthen economic ties between China and South Asia for mutual benefits.
The plenary session featured esteemed speakers, including Mr. Thanousone Phonamat, Vice President of Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Chen Zhengyong, Head of United Front Work Department and President of Federation of Trade Unions of Guangyuan.
Mr. Md Khaled, Consul General of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Kunming highlighted the opportunities for trade and investment between Bangladesh and China and emphasized the importance of collaboration to provide such platforms to grow connections and expand businesses across the region.
Mr. Younass Momand, Former Vice President of SCCI (Afghanistan), led a delegation from Afghanistan, comprising business leaders and entrepreneurs. Mr. Aelian Gunawardene, General Assembly Member of SCCI, led the delegation from Sri Lanka, and Mr. Ahmed Mujuthaba, Life Member of SCCI, represented the Maldives.
The event was also attended by Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Butt, Secretary General, SCCI, Mubashir Ahmed Shahid, Managing Director, INFONEX BPO, Mr. Nasir Mehmood, CEO, Shah Posh, and Mr. Tilan M. Wijesooriya, Secretary General Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) and Associate Director SCCI.
On the sidelines of the conference, several parallel events took place, including South Asia and Southeast Asia Opportunities and Investment Environment Promotion Conference & Business Matchmaking, Sichuan – Vietnam Construction Cooperation Project Promotion Conference, and Dialogue Activity on Pluralistic Resolution of International Commercial Disputes in South Asia & Southeast Asia. Furthermore. promoting tourism and products in Guanyuan, a products expo and conference were held in Guanyuan, China on September 12, 2024.
A significant highlight of the conference was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and the Chengdu Institute of Standardization. The MOU aims to promote economic and trade exchanges, industrial cooperation, and personnel exchanges between Chengdu and South Asian countries through standardization.
The conference provided a platform for business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to engage in meaningful discussions, forge new partnerships, and explore opportunities for cooperation and collaboration.
