The 9th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming has become a melting pot of commerce and culture, with Nepali entrepreneur Rupak Parajuli emerging as a symbol of cross-border collaboration. The event, hosted in southwest China's Yunnan Province, features participants from over 50 countries and regions, including all South and Southeast Asian nations, showcasing regional specialties from handwoven textiles to smart technologies.
Parajuli, whose family has crafted traditional Nepali Dhaka fabrics for generations, told KhabarAsia.com how the expo helped him secure partnerships with three Chinese distributors last year. "This platform transformed my small Kathmandu workshop into a supplier for Yunnan's boutique hotels," he said, noting a 200% increase in orders since 2022.
Organizers report a 35% year-on-year rise in cross-border business matchmaking sessions, with green energy and digital infrastructure projects drawing particular interest. The expo coincides with new customs agreements facilitating faster clearance for agricultural imports from South Asian countries.
As night falls over Dianchi Lake, the event transforms into a cultural showcase. Parajuli demonstrated traditional weaving techniques beside a Sichuan opera performer, embodying the expo's dual focus on economic and people-to-people exchanges. "Every thread connects stories," he remarked, holding up a scarf blending Nepali patterns with Chinese cloud motifs.
