South Asian - Sichuan Promotion Conference

The South Asia – Sichuan Business Promotion Round-Table Seminar / Conference is initiative of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)- Chengdu, in collaboration with South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) Chamber of Commerce and Industry  to encourage development of multilateral businesses and investment avenues between Sichuan and the SAARC member countries and their enterprises.
 
The initiative aimed to synergize the cooperation efforts between Chengdu, Sichuan and Western China and South Asian countries to discuss the way forward to strengthen ties to improve cooperation and business mechanisms between South Asian and Sichuan enterprises.
 
Background:
 
SAARC CCI and CCPIT-Chengdu have initiated this roundtable to enrich the trade and business ties between China and SAARC member states. The joint cooperation to host this prestigious event every year was an outcome of SAARC CCI - CCPIT Chengdu MoU, since 2009.
 
Approximately 400 plus government representatives, business industry association delegates and business professionals from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan China, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka attended both conferences.  Myanmar & Laos, are also part of this conference.
 
SAARC CCI & CCPIT-Sichuan has initiated cooperation back in year 2009. An MoU was also signed later on to provide a legal cover to boost the bilateral cooperation between the regions.

The chair of Chengdu seminar also rotates among SAARC Member states on yearly basis.
 
Western China International Fair Import:
 
2nd Western China International Fair Import is sideline event of promotional seminar.  Exhibitors from more than 28 countries participate in this fair. Usually from SAARC member states Exhibitors from Handicraft sector participate in this event.
 
SAARC CCI has requested CAFTEC and CCPIT-Sichuan to offer free booths or booth with 50% discount to SAARC CCI, so that exhibitors from Member states may encourage participation in the said event.
 
Sichuan Province is known for its heavy industry including coal, energy, iron and steel.  The province has also established a light industrial sector comprising building materials, wood processing, food and silk processing. Chengdu also host production centers for textiles and electronics products. Great strides have been made in developing Sichuan into a modern hi-tech industrial base, by encouraging both domestic and foreign investments in electronics and information technology (such as software), machinery and metallurgy (including electric automobiles), hydropower, pharmaceutical, food and beverage industries.