Sri Lankan Delegation Explores Floriculture Cooperation Opportunities During Visit to Kunming’s Guandu Flower Industry Association

A delegation from Sri Lanka, led by Mr. Indrananda Abeysekera, President of the Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Co-operation (ASLCSCC), recently visited the Guandu District Flower Industry Development Association in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China, for discussions, inspections, and exchanges aimed at strengthening agricultural and trade cooperation between Sri Lanka and China.

The visit was organized following an invitation from Ms. Zhao Chenzi, President of the Guandu District Flower Industry Development Association. The delegation included Mr. W.V.A.R.S. Weragoda, Chairman, and Mr. K.K. Lalith, Vice Chairman of the Sri Lanka-China Trade, Commerce and Economic Council of ASLCSCC, along with Ms. Zheng Xinyun, General Manager of Yuanshan (Sri Lanka) International Group Pvt. Ltd. and Vice President of the Fujian Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka.

During the visit, the Sri Lankan delegation was welcomed by Ms. Zhao Chenzi, President of the Association, and Mr. Chen Qiuhao, Vice President of the Association. The delegation engaged in discussions on potential cooperation opportunities, particularly focusing on the export of high-quality flowers and agricultural products from Yunnan to the Sri Lankan market.

As part of the programme, the delegation visited Yunnan Xiuhai Biotechnology Co., Ltd., one of the member enterprises of the Guandu District Flower Industry Development Association. The visit was conducted in response to the company’s export trade requirements and the Sri Lankan delegation’s extensive overseas client network.

The delegation toured the company’s demonstration planting base and flower seedling tissue culture research and development centre, gaining insights into the complete production process of Phalaenopsis orchids and anthuriums. The visit covered various stages, including seedling breeding, tissue culture research and development, demonstration cultivation, mature flower production, and fresh-cut flower applications.

The Sri Lankan representatives expressed appreciation for Xiuhai Biotechnology’s efforts in developing a complete flower industry chain and highlighted the strong market potential for its products in Sri Lanka.

During a discussion session, Ms. Zhao Chenzi introduced the activities and objectives of the Guandu District Flower Industry Development Association, while Mr. Chen Qiuhao explained the development plans and export requirements of Yunnan Xiuhai Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

The two sides held detailed discussions regarding flower quality standards, stable supply capabilities, fresh-cut flower export opportunities, product categories suitable for the Sri Lankan market, and possible trade cooperation models. Following the discussions, both parties reached a preliminary agreement on exploring the export of Phalaenopsis orchids and anthuriums to Sri Lanka.

Exploring Cooperation with Yunnan Fengduo Biotechnology

The Sri Lankan delegation also visited and held discussions with Yunnan Fengduo Biotechnology Co., Ltd., an innovative agricultural biotechnology enterprise established in April 2020 in Yunnan Province.

Speaking to China Mirror, Ms. Zhao Chenzi, President of the Kunming Guandu District Flower Industry Development Association, explained that Fengduo Biotechnology specializes in the development, production, promotion, and marketing of premium agricultural resources, including high-quality seeds, seedlings, flowers, and specialty agricultural products.

She noted that Fengduo’s products are distributed across China and exported to international markets, including the Republic of Korea and several Southeast Asian countries.

According to Ms. Zhao, the company’s success is built upon three key strengths: advanced production facilities, strong research capabilities, and an established brand network.

Fengduo operates a modern demonstration planting base covering approximately 200 mu (around 13 hectares), including 50,000 square metres of advanced greenhouses equipped with modern cultivation technologies. The company also maintains a 3,000-square-metre tissue culture research and development centre dedicated to producing high-quality flower seedlings.

The company produces more than one million pots each of Anthurium and Phalaenopsis orchids annually, representing over 200 varieties. It also collaborates with leading flower-growing bases specializing in roses, eustomas, and other premium flowers, with cooperative cultivation areas covering nearly 1,000 mu (approximately 67 hectares).

Ms. Zhao further highlighted Fengduo’s strong research and development capabilities through partnerships with leading Chinese institutions, including the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming Institute of Botany, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and Yunnan Agricultural University.

Through these collaborations, Fengduo continues to introduce innovative agricultural technologies and improved plant varieties. The company has also been recognized as an Achievement Transformation Base of the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences for its contribution to applying scientific research in practical agricultural production.

She added that Fengduo has developed a strong brand through its alliance business model, which promotes resource sharing, technological cooperation, mutual benefits, and collective growth among industry partners.

Strengthening Sri Lanka-China Agricultural Partnerships

The visit highlighted the growing opportunities for cooperation between Sri Lanka and China in the field of floriculture and modern agriculture. The Sri Lankan delegation recognized the potential of Yunnan’s advanced flower industry technologies and expressed confidence that Chinese flower varieties could find promising opportunities within the Sri Lankan market.

The Guandu District Flower Industry Development Association emphasized its commitment to supporting enterprises in expanding internationally by connecting businesses with overseas markets, organizing exchange programmes, and facilitating industrial cooperation.

Guandu District Flower Industry Development Association’s Vision and Mission

Speaking to China Mirror, Ms. Qiao Xi, Secretary-General of the Kunming Guandu District Flower Industry Development Association, explained the objectives, structure, and future vision of the organization.

The Association was established on March 9, 2023, under the guidance of the Guandu District Civil Affairs Bureau, with the Guandu District Agricultural and Rural Bureau serving as its business guidance department.

Ms. Qiao explained that the Association aims to promote the cluster-based development of Guandu’s flower industry by addressing challenges, improving industry coordination, and supporting the growth of the entire flower industry value chain.

“The Association is committed to promoting the scientific, healthy, and sustainable development of Guandu’s flower industry, while preserving Kunming’s historical connection with flower cultivation, beautifying rural communities, and advancing modern urban agriculture,” she said.

The Association functions as a bridge between government institutions, businesses, and industry stakeholders by providing consultation services, supporting members, coordinating resources, and promoting innovation within the sector.

Its objectives include supporting rural economic development, increasing farmers’ incomes, advancing agricultural modernization, promoting rural revitalization, and contributing to the creation of a beautiful and sustainable Guandu district.

The establishment of the Association represents an important milestone in the development of Guandu’s flower industry. Although Guandu is not traditionally considered a primary flower-producing region, its strategic location near the internationally recognized Dounan Flower Market has allowed the district to connect with global flower markets.

With changing economic conditions and evolving national industrial policies, the need for stronger coordination within the flower industry became increasingly important. The formation of the Association provides an effective platform to connect enterprises, markets, and government institutions while encouraging innovation, cooperation, and sustainable industry development.

The Sri Lankan delegation’s visit marks another step towards strengthening economic, cultural, and agricultural ties between Sri Lanka and China, opening new avenues for cooperation in the growing global floriculture industry.

Report by – Vinura Karunarathna