The Canton Fair has served as a vital global trade platform, facilitating connections between global buyers and Chinese suppliers since its establishment in 1957. For Ranjith Laksiri, the Senior Vice President of the Sri Lanka-China Business Corporation Council (SLCBCC), this event signifies much more than just a trade opportunity for his own business; it is a cornerstone for strengthening economic ties between Sri Lanka and China and acts as a driving force in improving the well-being of people in both nations.
Sharing benefits of Canton Fair with Sri Lanka
Ranjith Laksiri’s relationship with the Canton Fair began in 2005 when his import-export business was already sourcing products globally. However, China’s rise as a manufacturing giant drew his attention, leading to his first visit to the Canton Fair. “I had never seen such a vast fair in my life. It was like a universe of business opportunities, with countless products and suppliers all under one roof,” Ranjith recalled.
As an experienced buyer for furniture and construction materials, Ranjith has sourced a wide range of products from the Canton Fair, including curtains, blinds, ceiling fixtures, flooring, and furniture. “The quality of Chinese products has improved significantly. They now offer a perfect blend of style, functionality, and durability. For example, the flooring materials I import are not only aesthetically appealing but also highly resilient, making them ideal for the Sri Lankan market,” he explained.
Now, as a key leader at SLCBCC, Ranjith has expanded his role—becoming a facilitator for other Sri Lankan businesses seeking Chinese partnerships. “Through the SLCBC Council, we help Sri Lankan companies connect with reliable Chinese suppliers, working closely with both governments and embassies,” he said.
“I dedicate myself to exploring products with good quality and fair prices and will share all details about suppliers with our members free of charge. Though I incur personal costs, China’s innovation and manufacturing capabilities make it worthwhile,” he affirmed.
Canton Fair products catalyze Sri Lanka’s growth
Ranjith believes the Canton Fair is more than a trade show—it’s a gateway to transformation for Sri Lankan industries. He highlighted the role of Chinese machinery in enhancing local agriculture and manufacturing sectors. For example, modern Chinese equipment has been widely adopted in Sri Lanka’s tea industry, improving production quality and reducing operational costs.
He also noted the remarkable impact of Chinese renewable energy innovations showcased at the Fair. “Sri Lanka has abundant sunshine, yet solar solutions were once unaffordable. Thanks to Chinese advancements, renewable energy systems and storage technologies are now accessible and affordable, allowing individuals and businesses to shift away from fossil fuels. With the support of Chinese companies, we can progress towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future,” Ranjith elaborated.
Moreover, Ranjith highlighted the growing demand for Chinese-made textiles and furniture in Sri Lanka, which aligns with the continuously expanding scope of bilateral trade. With Chinese products being more affordable and of higher quality, Sri Lankan businesses continue to benefit from the wide range of goods available at the Canton Fair.
In January, the release of the Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka marked a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, fostering new highlights in China-Sri Lanka cooperation. Consequently, the Canton Fair’s significance has grown in the context of elevated bilateral ties.
“The frequent high-level exchanges and the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are accelerating trade and investment between the two countries,” Ranjith Laksiri stated.
Looking ahead, he envisions broader Sri Lankan participation in upcoming sessions of the Canton Fair. “We are working to bring more Sri Lankan enterprises to experience the Fair firsthand, discover new suppliers, and build sustainable business ventures,” he concluded.
