On 12 June 2019, the opening ceremony of 2019 South and Southeast Asia Commodity Expo and Investment Fair (SSACEIF) was held at Kunming Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Dr. Than Myint, Minister of Commerce of Myanmar, Mr. Tipu Munshi, Minister of Commerce of Bangladesh, Mr. Jayamaha, Deputy-Minister of Development and International Trade of Sri Lanka, the Country of Honor, Dr. Chhuon Dara, Secretary of State of Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia, the Guest Country，Mr. Li Bo, Vice-Chairman of All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, Mr. Fan Youshan, Vice-Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Mr.Chen Zhou, Vice President of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, attended the opening ceremony among nearly 2000 representatives from diplomatic missions in China, international organizations, business associations and enterprises. Mr. Guo Chuanwei, Director of Trade and Investment Division of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), attended the event upon invitation.

Mr. Ruan Chengfa, Governor of Yunnan Province, presided over the opening ceremony. Mr. Chen Hao, Secretary of the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee extended warm welcome to all the participants in his speech. He said that in pursuit of an open economy, Yunnan has actively participated in the BRI international cooperation for greater connectivity, and promoted economic and trade cooperation as well as people-to-people exchanges with neighbouring countries. The SSACEIF has become an important platform for wide consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits between China and countries of South and Southeast Asia. It provides opportunities for participating countries to draw on each other’s strengths, deepen cooperation in various fields, and gain access to Chinese market. It is hoped that all parties should work together to draw up a blueprint for better development and jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

Dr. Than Myint, Minister of Commerce of Myanmar, Mr. Tipu Munshi, Minister of Commerce of Bangladesh, Mr. Jayamaha, Deputy-Minister of Development and International Trade of Sri Lanka, Dr. Chhuon Dara, Secretary of State of Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia, Mr. Ruwan Edirisinghe, President of SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, delivered speeches respectively. The speakers said that China, South and Southeast Asia have a long history of economic, trade and cultural exchanges. The Belt and Road Initiative has provided good opportunities for the development of the region and beyond. China and countries of South and Southeast Asia have reached important consensus in promoting border trade and infrastructure development. Countries of South and Southeast Asia are willing to take an active part in the Belt and Road international cooperation and expand practical cooperation in various fields, so as to bring more benefits to the people of all sides.

With the theme of “A Better Gateway and Powerhouse for Shared Development and Prosperity”, the SSACEIF was co-hosted by China Chamber of International Commerce, SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ASEAN-China Centre and Yunnan Provincial Government and lasted for 7 days. An exhibition covering an area of 170,000 square meters was held, which consisted of six featured areas including the Thematic Pavilion, Southeast Asia Pavilion, South Asia Pavilion, International Pavilion and Domestic Pavilion. The Belt and Road Investment and Cooperation Pavilion, Green Energy Pavilion, Forest Eco Product Pavilion and Digital Yunnan Pavilion were set up for the first time. Altogether 3348 enterprises from 74 countries and regions as well as 20 Chinese provinces participated in the exhibition.

During the 2019 SSACEIF, 14 activities including the 2nd China-South Asia Cooperation Forum and the 3rd China-Southeast Asia Business Forum were held, aiming to attract more international organizations and enterprises to launch projects in Yunnan, and further deepen practical cooperation between China, countries of South and Southeast Asia and other countries in the world.