The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China Dr. Palitha Kohona attended the China-SCO ( Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) Forum on the Digital Economy Industry which was held during the Smart China Expo 2021 from 23-25 August in Chongqing, a press release issued by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing said.

The forum was organised by the Chongqing Municipal Government together with the SCO Secretariat providing a platform for innovation cooperation among SCO countries, it said.

The press release further said: The high-tech exhibition was held at the large exhibition centre adjoining the forum and featured futuristic cutting-edge technologies, and trends in fields related to developments in the digital economy, big data and smart technologies.  Sub forums were held under the themes of digital economy, e-commerce, logistics and smart tourism.

Ambassador Dr. Kohona delivering his remarks at the sub forum on promoting smart logistics and digitalizing logistics corridors stated that transforming Sri Lanka into a technology-based society is one of the key national policy objectives of the government. Further he stated that Sri Lanka sees itself as the southern hub of the Maritime Silk Road and Belt and Road Initiative, well positioned to connect the region digitally and to disseminate the benefits of digitalisation.

Vice Mayor of Chongqing Municipal People’s Government Zheng Xiangdong, welcoming the forum stated that Chongqing is in the process of building a “smart city,” and has accelerated the opening of a new era of “smart life.” By exploring the value of big data for commercial, governmental and civil purposes, Chongqing is trying to accelerate the development of public service facilities such as smart transportation, smart medical care, smart education, and smart tourism, in a bid to continually meet the needs of the people for a high-quality life, he added.

Sri Lanka also had its pavilion at the exhibition area of the SCO countries. Due to the pandemic, many Sri Lankan companies were unable to be present physically at the exhibition. However, some Sri Lankan products were showcased at the Sri Lankan pavilion and attracted considerable attention.

Ambassador Dr. Kohona highlighted the trade and investment opportunities in Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka’s tremendous tourism potential during an interview carried out by Chongqing Television and Chongqing International Media.

Ambassador Kohona met the senior office bearers of the Chongqing Cricket Association who had requested assistance from Sri Lanka to boost cricket. China plans to field a cricket team at the next Asian Games. Ambassador Dr. Kohona assured the Chongqing Cricket Association that Sri Lanka stands ready to assist in every possible way to help Chongqing to improve its game, the news release said.