Opening ceremony of 23rd CAEXPO and CABIS held in Nanning

Nanning, China – On September 17, the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit opened, marking a significant milestone in the region's relations. The theme, "CAFTA 3.0 Opportunities, Better Life," highlighted the partnership's fifth anniversary and the inaugural year of the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Action Plan (2026-2030).

With a focus on accelerating the implementation of the CAFTA 3.0 Upgrade Protocol, the expo showcased the latest cooperation between China and ASEAN countries over a vast exhibition area of approximately 170,000 square meters.

This year's event featured 3,400 enterprises from 70 countries and regions, a 5.3% increase in exhibitors from the previous session. Timor-Leste, as a newly recognized ASEAN member, co-organized the CAEXPO for the first time, symbolizing the historic gathering of all 11 ASEAN countries in Nanning, Guangxi. The expo expanded its reach with exhibition areas at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center, CAAIC Community, and Guilin International Conference & Exhibition Center.

A novel feature of the event was the ASEAN demand exhibition, focusing on transportation, smart logistics, artificial intelligence applications, urban management, and park construction. An ASEAN demand list was released, identifying key projects and needs in these sectors, serving as a one-stop platform for precise matchmaking between China and ASEAN.

Additionally, over 50 economic and trade promotion activities were held throughout the event, addressing trade facilitation, investment facilitation, and regional economic integration, covering topics such as "Shop in China," "Export to China," and "Invest in China."