Opening ceremony of 23rd CAEXPO and CABIS held in Nanning

Nanning, China – On September 17th, the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo and Business and Investment Summit commenced, titled "CAFTA 3.0 Opportunities, Better Life." The event welcomed Chinese and foreign leaders, marking the 5th anniversary of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership and the start of the 2026-2030 Plan of Action to implement the partnership.

This year is pivotal for advancing the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol, following its signing. The expo spans 170,000 square meters, displaying collaborative achievements and new business prospects within CAFTA.

Over 3,400 enterprises from 70+ countries and regions participated, a 5.3% increase from the prior session. Timor-Leste, as a new ASEAN member and co-organizer, made its debut, alongside all 11 ASEAN countries assembled in Nanning for the first time, since ASEAN's expansion. The main exhibition took place at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center, flanked by additional venues at CAAIC Community and the Guilin International Conference & Exhibition Center.

A key innovation was the debut of an ASEAN country demand exhibition, featuring projects and needs in transportation, smart logistics, AI applications, urban management, and park construction. More than 50 economic and trade promotion activities, targeting trade facilitation, investment facilitation, and regional integration, were held throughout the event.