China has pledged to continue to promote high-level opening-up, and that's what an ongoing international expo aims to. The week-long event kicks off in southwest China today and will showcase a wide range of products and new technologies from a number of countries. Our Yang Jinghao is there.

       An annual big gathering of state leaders, businesses and experts – the eighth edition of the China-South Asia Expo kicks off in Kunming, provincial capital of southwest China's Yunnan.

       YANG JINGHAO Kunming, Yunnan Province "As one of China's key international trade exchange events this year, the Expo has attracted over 2,000 enterprises from more than 80 countries, regions, and international organizations."

       Pakistan is the guest country of honor this year.

       KHALIL HASHMI Ambassador of Pakistan to China "We have close to 280 business people. That's probably the largest so far. China walks the talk. China actually provides solutions, creates opportunities so that people can do meaningful exchanges. Beyond that, they also promote friendship. So, I think this is a very useful platform."

       While South Asian and Southeast Asian countries have a strong presence, exhibitors from many other countries are also showcasing their unique products.

       KAWAKAMI HIROSHI Deputy Chief Representative, Marubeni Corporation China "The main highlights of our exhibition focus on agricultural products, primarily coffee. We have deep business cooperation with Yunnan in the coffee sector. In addition, we are showcasing our work in the circular economy, demonstrating how we process fruit peels using our technology to turn them into lifestyle products like bags. Furthermore, we have exhibits in the field of energy saving and emission reduction."

       ADJEI EBEN KWAME Exhibitor from Ghana "In the previous years, there were not a lot of countries, but this year I've seen a lot, and it's a good opportunity for us to have business and the cultural exchanges with other countries."

       In total, there are 15 pavilions featuring architectural technology, green energy, culture and tourism, healthcare among other areas, with quite a few leading enterprises of related industries participating.

       DONG MING President & CEO, Yunnan Baiyao Group "During this Expo, we will unveil three systems for the full-scale development of the traditional Chinese medicine industry – the resource system, the ecological system, and the technical system. Southeast Asia and South Asia are not only key international markets for Yunnan Baiyao but also major supply bases for our strategic medicinal varieties. Therefore, this Expo holds significant meaning and value for us as a whole."

       China recently has reiterated its commitment to promoting high-level opening up. Participants at the Expo say they are expecting greater opportunities in the Chinese market, and the Expo will just play an active role in this regard. YJH, CGTN, Kunming, Yunnan Province.