China's market, openness offer vital growth opportunities for South Asia: Pakistani business leader

ISLAMABAD, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The upcoming China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, South China's Yunnan province, serves as a powerful catalyst for regional trade, investment, and technological collaboration, said a leading Pakistani business representative, emphasizing the importance of deepening China-South Asia cooperation amid global economic uncertainty.

In an interview with Xinhua, Syed Hasan Raza, CEO of Dairy Solution Pvt Ltd and executive member of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the expo provides South Asian countries with unparalleled access to China's vast consumer market and supply chains.

"As one of the world's largest online retail and import markets, China offers tremendous opportunities for businesses in South Asia, especially in sectors like agriculture, dairy, and food processing," Raza said.

He praised China's consistent economic progress and high-level opening-up policies, calling them "a forward-looking approach that promotes peace, innovation, and sustainable development." He said Chinese initiatives to boost imports of high-quality goods are opening new avenues for emerging economies such as Pakistan to modernize and grow.

The 2025 China-South Asia Expo will be held in Kunming from June 19 to June 24. Raza said Pakistani businesses are keen to expand exports and forge long-term partnerships through the event.

Highlighting the complementary strengths of China and South Asian nations, Raza said regional cooperation in industrial and supply chains is vital.

"China's technology and logistics expertise, combined with South Asia's labor and resource base, can create more resilient and inclusive regional value chains," he noted.

He emphasized that technical collaboration with China in areas such as cold-chain logistics, feed technology, and processing can significantly upgrade Pakistan's agri-based industries.

Commenting on the role of China's Yunnan province, which is hosting the expo, Raza described it as an important hub linking South Asia and Southeast Asia.

"Yunnan's strong infrastructure, digital connectivity, and cross-border platforms are transforming it into a hub for trade, services, and innovation," he said.

He added that Yunnan's integration of healthcare, tourism, and green development makes it an attractive model for regional cooperation, particularly in digital trade and sustainable supply chain development.

As trade protectionism rises globally, Raza lauded China's steadfast efforts to keep global trade open.

"China's commitment to free trade and stable supply chains is reassuring. It offers developing economies like Pakistan the tools to remain competitive, connected, and future-ready," he said.■