The Sri Lanka – China Business Council (SLCHBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce held its 24th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on July 3, 2025, at the Port City Sales Gallery, Colombo Port City, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation with China.
Officials from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China graced the occasion, with Mr. Geng Zichao, Second Secretary, delivering an address on behalf of the Chinese Embassy. He highlighted China’s robust economic performance in 2024, including a GDP of US$18.94 trillion and 5.4% growth in Q1 2025. Bilateral trade with Sri Lanka reached USD$5.365 billion, marking a 30.4% year-on-year increase – the fastest growth in South Asia.
Mr. Geng emphasized China’s continued role as Sri Lanka’s largest source of foreign direct investment, supporting strategic projects such as the Colombo Port City and Southern Expressway. He also noted President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to China in January 2025, during which 15 cooperation agreements were signed, focused on infrastructure, green energy, and tourism.
Mr. Haroun Cader, Group Director of Sinwa Holdings Limited and President of SLCHBC, reflected on the renewed momentum since the 23rd AGM. He also highlighted the success of the Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Forum held on May 30, 2025, which enabled constructive dialogue on expanding trade opportunities.
Despite Sri Lanka’s exports to China totaling approximately $250 million against imports exceeding $3 billion, Mr. Cader acknowledged the need to address this trade imbalance. He outlined plans to promote local exports and enhance Sri Lanka’s presence at platforms such as the upcoming Canton Fair to drive new business partnerships.
The SLCHBC continues to play a critical role in fostering trade, investment, innovation, and sustainable partnerships between Sri Lanka and China.
For more information, contact the Council Secretariat at [email protected] or 0115588856
