Image Credit: Global Times
China and ASEAN will explore practical cooperation in digital technology and green economy during the upcoming China-ASEAN Expo, scheduled to take place in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, from September 24 to 28. Chinese officials indicated that the expo will introduce a new strategic theme focusing on developing new quality productive forces, as highlighted by Vice Minister of Commerce Li Fei.
Li said that the expo will display China’s achievements in collaboration with ASEAN, with a focus on advancing the construction of Version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area. A high-tech products exhibition area will showcase innovations from ASEAN countries, including health, biomedicine, new energy, and IT services, enabling ASEAN’s high-tech enterprises to explore new market opportunities in China and beyond.
Wang Peng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, pointed out that both China and ASEAN face challenges related to environmental protection and sustainable development, providing a significant space for joint efforts in green infrastructure, energy, and transport. He also noted that cooperation in e-commerce, artificial intelligence, big data, and smart cities holds vast potential, emphasising China’s leading position in the digital economy and 5G network development.
The expo will, for the first time, invite participation from Gulf countries, with the United Arab Emirates as a special partner, alongside Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) members such as Kazakhstan. Enterprises from Australia, Japan, and other Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) members will also be present.
China has remained ASEAN’s top trading partner for 15 consecutive years, with bilateral trade growing annually by 7.5 percent since 2013. Li highlighted that the continuously strengthening partnership between China and ASEAN will contribute to regional stability and prosperity, enhancing cooperation in emerging sectors and expanding trade in agricultural and manufactured goods.