The 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit opened on Wednesday in Nanning, capital of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The event highlights technological and economic cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The five-day fair covers nearly 160,000 square meters of exhibition space and features over 3,200 companies from 60 countries.
For the first time, a 10,000-square-meter Artificial Intelligence (AI) pavilion has been launched, making it the largest themed hall in the expo’s history.
The AI focus comes as the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) is set to be upgraded to version 3.0. Negotiations concluded in May, with a formal signing expected by the end of the year.
Speaking at the opening, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng noted that in recent years, the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership has deepened, becoming the most successful and dynamic model of regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific. He stressed that CAEXPO and the Business Summit not only strengthen friendship, but also serve as vital platforms for regional development and cooperation.
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn highlighted that over the past 20 years, CAEXPO has grown from a trade and investment showcase into a catalyst for regional integration, innovation, and long-term growth. He emphasized that CAFTA 3.0 puts technology and innovation at the core of cooperation, while enhancing supply chain integration and regional prosperity.
This year’s theme, “Digital Intelligence and Innovation Empower Development – Leveraging China-ASEAN FTA 3.0 New Opportunities for an Even Closer China-ASEAN Community with a Shared Future”, underscores the role of digital technology in boosting bilateral trade and cooperation.
Cambodian Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth also remarked that the theme reflects the “urgent need” for cooperation to build a prosperous and peaceful region through digital technology, innovation, and trade promotion.
Official data show that China has remained ASEAN’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, while ASEAN has been China’s largest trading partner for the past five years.