Chinese Vice President Han Zheng will join leaders from across Southeast Asia to inaugurate the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) on September 17 in Nanning, signaling strengthened regional cooperation. The event, hosted in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, serves as a cornerstone for economic dialogue between the Chinese mainland and ASEAN members.
High-profile attendees include Myanmar Prime Minister U Nyo Saw, Lao Vice President Bounthong Chitmany, and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, alongside senior officials from Cambodia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized the expo's role in "advancing practical collaboration" across trade, technology, and green energy sectors.
Since its 2004 launch, CAEXPO has facilitated over $700 billion in cumulative trade deals. This year's edition focuses on digital economy integration and cross-border supply chain resilience, with 1,500+ enterprises participating. Analysts highlight Guangxi's strategic position as a gateway for ASEAN agricultural exports and Chinese renewable energy investments.
Parallel cultural exchanges will feature traditional performances and culinary showcases from ASEAN countries, underscoring the event's dual economic and soft power objectives. The expo coincides with the 20th anniversary of China-ASEAN strategic partnership talks, amid ongoing negotiations for version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement.
