China's first South Asia Expo generates USD 17.47 billion

The first South Asia Expo organised by China this month has generated business transactions worth about USD 17.47 billion, official media here reported today.
The four-day expo from June 6 was held along with 21st China Kunming Import and Export Fair at the Chinese city of Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province.
According to statistics from the expos' organising committee, transaction volume during both of the five-day fairs reached USD 17.47 billion up 116.5 per cent compared with last year, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
About 130 Indian businessmen took part in both the events.
China's trade volume with various South Asian countries has increased from USD 34.7 billion in 2006 to USD 93 billion in 2012, the bulk of it with India which last year amounted to over USD 66 billion.

Rafeeque Ahmed, president of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, who headed the Indian business delegation said it is necessary for China and India to develop their trade relations.
India hopes to make joint efforts with China in infrastructure construction, skills training, as well as industrial research and development.