The 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) opened in Nanning this week, showcasing deepening economic collaboration between the Chinese mainland and Southeast Asian nations. Held in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region – a strategic gateway to ASEAN – the event coincides with growing recognition of multilateral cooperation as a stabilizing force in global trade.
A CGTN survey of 15,000 global respondents revealed 92.8% view CAEXPO as critical for defending free trade and multilateral systems. This comes as bilateral trade between China and ASEAN reached $722 billion in the first eight months of 2024, maintaining the bloc's position as China's largest trading partner for four consecutive years.
Analysts highlight the expo's role in advancing digital economy partnerships and green energy transitions. "The supply chain resilience demonstrated here counters protectionist trends," said Singapore-based economist Dr. Lim Wei, noting ASEAN's 6.3% GDP growth projection for 2024.
With 1,500+ exhibitors from 40 countries and regions, the event features specialized pavilions for cross-border e-commerce and smart manufacturing – key areas identified in China's recent Belt and Road Initiative white paper.
