The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), together with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing and the Consulate General in Guangzhou, successfully organized an outward trade delegation to China from 16th to 23rd September 2025, with the aim of promoting Ceylon Cinnamon and other value-added spices in the Chinese market.
The delegation comprised 13 leading Sri Lankan spice exporters, led by Mr. Janak Sanjeewa Badugama, Director – Export Agriculture, and Mr. Gayan Sanjeewa Weerasinghe, Assistant Director – Export Agriculture, of the EDB.
This trade delegation can be identified as new juncture of the centuries old China Sri Lanka bilateral trade and cultural relations. The participants received invaluable opportunities through the ASEAN Expo to study the market opportunities and consumer behavior of the Chinese market while experiencing the new trends and market patterns where the potential avenues on which Sri Lankan spice products could be positioned in the consumer market. Further, the match making event and the exposure visit was helpful to get clear understanding regarding the export hub concepts operationalized in the Chinese market through Yulin International Spice Market and Yulin Spice Industrial Park.
From 17th to 21st September, the Sri Lankan companies showcased their premium spice products at the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2025 in Nanning. The exhibitors had the opportunity to meet prospective Chinese and ASEAN importers, retailers, and consumers while gaining valuable insights into market requirements, consumer preferences, and the application of modern technologies including Artificial Intelligence in the agri-processing sector.
Following the successful exhibition, the delegation engaged in business matchmaking sessions and exposure visits in Yulin, a prominent spice hub in China. The program was conducted under the leadership of the Deputy Mayor of the Yulin Municipal People’s Government, alongside 11 senior government officials and 37 representatives from Yulin-based agricultural enterprises.
Several Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) were initiated between Sri Lankan spice sector associations & private sector companies with the Chinese stakeholders during the visit, laying the foundation for strengthened bilateral trade and investment opportunities between Sri Lanka and China in the spice sector.
The delegation also visited the Yulin International Spice Trading Market, Guangxi Spice & Traditional Chinese Medicine International Trade Center, Yulin Spice Industrial Park, Guangxi Dongyun Agricultural Investment Co. Ltd seedling base, Beiliu Agarwood Culture Museum, Cassia plantations and processing centers, and the Guangxi Yuchia New Energy Vehicle Company Ltd. These visits provided delegates with first-hand exposure to advanced processing techniques, supply chain models, and future trends in agriculture-linked industries.
The mission was graced by Mr. Zhang Huiqiang, Mayor of Yulin Municipal People’s Government, and Ms. Nalika Kodikara, Minister (Commercial) of the Sri Lanka Embassy in China, who facilitated bilateral discussions and extended support to strengthen commercial ties.
The warm hospitality extended by the Yulin Municipal Government, industries, and Chinese counterparts throughout the programme was deeply appreciated by the Sri Lankan delegation.
The programme proved to be highly effective and achieved its intended objectives, marking an important step toward expanding Sri Lanka’s presence in the Chinese spice market.
