At the invitation of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Developmentcompleted a four-day official visit to Sichuan Province, China, aimed at deepening economic cooperation and enhancing bilateral trade relations.

During the visit, the Deputy Minister addressed the South Asia & Southeast Asia Business Development Cooperation Conference and delivered a keynote presentation at the Sri Lanka Economic and Trade Matchmaking Conference, a high-level state–business dialogue. In his remarks, he highlighted Sri Lanka’s potential as an investment destination and emphasized opportunities for strengthening trade partnerships.

He also engaged in discussions with the Nanchong Municipal Government, where he delivered opening remarks at an official session. In addition, he toured a manufacturing facility, an agricultural technology park, and a trade platform supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), gaining valuable insights into models of industrial and agricultural innovation.

The visit focused on exploring mechanisms to integrate Sri Lankan manufacturing enterprises with their counterparts in Sichuan Province, while also identifying strategies to expand exports of Sri Lankan products to the region. A key outcome was the initiative to establish a direct institutional partnership between CCPIT and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Industry to advance future trade promotion efforts.

The Deputy Minister also held meetings with provincial governors, centering on strengthening mutual trust and reinforcing cooperation between Sri Lanka and regional governments in China.

Accompanying him were the Chairman of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and senior private-sector executives. The visit was facilitated by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to China, Majintha Jayesinghe, and the Embassy’s Director of Commerce, Nalika Jayakody.