Title: 21 Years of Collaboration: China-ASEAN Expo Eyes Future Growth
The 21st China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) opened its doors in Nanning, Guangxi, on September 24, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the long-standing partnership between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This event, which has been instrumental in fostering the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA), is now looking to the future with a focus on innovation and sustainable development.
Building a Golden Channel for Bilateral Cooperation
Over the past 21 years, CAEXPO has established a comprehensive, multi-level, and broad-based platform for political, diplomatic, economic, and cultural exchanges between China and ASEAN. The event has significantly deepened mutual political trust and expanded the scope of cooperation between the two sides.
Malaysian entrepreneur Tang Yufeng, who came to Nanning in 2018, has seen his business flourish thanks to the opportunities provided by CAEXPO. The expo opened a new door for my career, allowing me to access more resources and opportunities, and bringing Malaysian cuisine to the Chinese market, said Tang.
Similarly, Singaporean businesswoman Zhao Haiyan’s company has partnered with the CAEXPO Secretariat to create a China-ASEAN feature commodity aggregation center, aiming to build a permanent CAEXPO. The center now hosts over 5,000 types of products, becoming a crucial platform for Chinese and ASEAN businesses to collaborate.
Embracing Change and Innovation
In response to the evolving global landscape, CAEXPO has embraced change and innovation. This year’s event features several firsts, including the first product selection activity in the expo’s history, aimed at leveraging the brand effect of CAEXPO to promote quality products. Another significant addition is the China-ASEAN Young Leaders Growth Plan, which provides a new platform for youth exchange and mutual learning, ensuring the continuity of friendly cooperation between the two regions.
In addition to these initiatives, CAEXPO has introduced several other firsts: a tourism exhibition in Guilin, a strategic emerging sector, a digital technology exhibition, and an ASEAN high-tech product exhibition. The event has also invited Gulf countries to participate for the first time, along with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. These new elements lay a solid foundation for CAEXPO’s diamond-crowned phase, enhancing its effectiveness and synergy.
Strengthening Supply Chains
Given the rapid changes in the global economic landscape and the deep adjustment of global supply chains, there is a growing need for more stable and resilient supply chains within the region. As a regional international exhibition promoting China-ASEAN relations, CAEXPO has a targeted approach to exhibition content, organizing bilateral economic and political discussions to strengthen the China-ASEAN supply chain system.
Li Guanghui, Vice President of the China International Economic Cooperation Society and Academic Dean of the China-ASEAN Economic College at Guangxi University, stated, CAEXPO must set exhibition content that responds to the regionalization trend. We need to build a more stable and resilient supply chain system between China and ASEAN.
According to Lei Xiaohua, Deputy Director of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies at the Guangxi Academy of Social Sciences, China and ASEAN have gradually formed a mutually beneficial regional circulation model. However, the current supply chain is not robust enough, and both sides need to build a higher-value chain to ensure more stable cooperation.
Conclusion
The 21st CAEXPO signifies a new era of collaboration between China and ASEAN. By focusing on innovation, embracing change, and strengthening supply chains, the expo is well-positioned to drive future growth and ensure that the partnership between China and ASEAN remains strong and resilient in the face of global challenges. As the world continues to evolve, CAEXPO stands as a beacon of cooperation and a testament to the enduring friendship between China and ASEAN.
Views: 0