While China reigns as a major global exporter of a wide range of products, research shows that it was simultaneously evolving into being the biggest market for Sri Lankan Pakistani and Indian products.

Director General of Pakistan’s Trade and Development Authority, Nusrat Iqbal Jamshed, said that China’s giant status in the export market, has resulted in avenues being created for countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India to export their products to China especially its remote areas.

"Our research shows that China has been producing in massive quantities to meet the worldwide export orders it receives. This has created a need for it to import various products for local consumption. So there is ample opportunity for us to cash in."

Among Sri Lanka’s exports to China are natural rubber, tea and shrimps, while imports from China include knitted and crocheted fibre, articles of iron and steel, machinery, cement, toys etc. Trade between the two countries has seen a steady growth, but the deficit has remained in China’s favour.