In this changing world China ASEAN EXPO (CAEXPO) is an important platform of development and regional cooperation. China and ASEAN both hold significant importance in terms of economic activities to boost regional cooperation. The economic collaboration between China and ASEAN in the form of CAEXPOis being observed in a Nanning, Guangxi, China. This is the 22nd CAEXPO began on September 17 and will last until September 21.
Now, since times have changed and due to the growing need for and reliance on technology the 2025 CAEXPO is emphasizing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) heavily. The inclusion of digital technology, AI, intelligent manufacturing, etc., shows that expo is adapting to global industrial trends. This helps Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) firms access new technology, and China to share its innovative ecosystem.
The theme of this year’s expo and summit is “Digital Intelligence and Innovation empower Development – Leveraging ASEAN-China FTA 3.0 new opportunities for an even closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future.” In accordance with the previous practice, this summit is being attended by Chinese and foreign leaders, government officials, ASEAN ambassadors to China, and other representatives.
This large regional exhibition is highlighting technological and economic cooperation between China and ASEAN. CAEXPO has grown over two decades from a trade and investment fair to a multi-dimensional forum. It is integrating culture, technology, policy, sustainability, innovation and commerce. Its growth reflects shifts in global economic patterns—as technologies change, climate concerns rise, digital economies expand—and the desire in China and ASEAN to stay competitive, interconnected, and mutually beneficial.
This large exposition core aims include supporting the implementation of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA), facilitating bilateral trade and investment, showcasing investment opportunities, promoting cultural exchange, and helping ASEAN-based enterprises access China’s market.
China has remained ASEAN’s largest trade partner for 16 consecutive years. Meanwhile, ASEAN has been China’s largest trade partner for the past five years. The first CAEXPO materialised in 2004, since then it has become a prominent platform to promote communication, economic and trade cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between China and ASEAN.
Over the years, CAEXPO has grown in scale, scope, and strategic importance. China Daily reported that at each CAEXPO, wide range of exchange activities such as an opening ceremony, leaders’ meetings, ministerial-level consultation, Country of Honor activities and talks between officials and business leaders have been arranged to promote exchanges of views and pool consensus. Until now, almost 100 documents such as Nanning Declaration have been released. These activities have enhanced strategic mutual trust and encouraged the in-depth development of China-ASEAN responsive relations.
Not only is this being observed, but it is also generating certain positive impacts. Because, CAEXPO has delivered measurable impact in several ways. It is not just about goods and business but also about diplomatic engagement, mutual trust, coordination on standards, regulatory frameworks, and deeper integration in supply chains.
Since China has been ASEAN’s largest trading partner for many years; bilateral trade has seen strong growth, helped by CAFTA, regular dialogues, and the kind of exposure CAEXPO provides. The expo, which has attracted approximately 1.1 million exhibitors and buyers over the past 19 years, has played a pivotal role in the development of the China-ASEAN free trade area, China. And this pertains to 2023; by now, even greater development and investment must have taken place.
All this implies, CAEXPO is moving toward deeper integration not just in trade and manufacturing but in innovation, technology, sustainability, and people-centered cooperation. The CAEXPO is more than an exhibition of products. It functions as a strategic lever of China’s foreign economic policy, particularly in relation to its Southeast Asian neighbourhood, through CAFTA and Belt & Road Initiative etc.
CAEXPO holds immense significant for regional cooperation and development. It is a platform for ASEAN countries to access China’s vast market, attract Chinese investment, learn from China’s technology in digital economy, AI, and green energy, etc. It is a tool of diplomacy and soft power, strengthening mutual understandings, culture, people-to-people ties, and improving policy coherence.
