Kuala lumpur: The 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2026 and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) this year focus on economic and trade cooperation, artificial intelligence (AI) and greater participation by enterprises as key drivers of China-ASEAN cooperation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Li Pan, the deputy commander of the 23rd CAEXPO and CABIS, stated that the event has introduced several new elements and upgrades compared with previous editions. The expo emphasizes economic and trade cooperation, AI, and enterprises as central themes. This year's exhibition area has expanded to 170,000 square meters, accommodating about 2,200 Chinese enterprises and nearly 1,000 ASEAN enterprises.
Li mentioned that the exhibition areas have increased from two to three, with the addition of the Nanning AI Compound. Around 50 supporting economic and trade events will be conducted, many led by ASEAN countries. A 'big leads small' exhibition model has been introduced to enhance participation from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), allowing them to expand alongside leading enterprises. The AI Plus trade matching module has pre-matched 8,000 pairs of enterprises in advance.
For the first time, an ASEAN entrepreneurs matchmaking and connection conference is part of the expo, offering interpretations of 'Chapter 3.0' business opportunities to foster more cooperation. Timor-Leste's participation as a co-organiser marks a historic moment, as all 11 ASEAN member states gather in Nanning.
The expo features an ASEAN country demand exhibition, where ASEAN countries pose questions and Chinese enterprises provide solutions, effectively matching industrial resources. The event showcases AI technologies and applications across consumer, enterprise, government, and international sectors.
Li highlighted the opening of the Pinglu Canal to navigation, marking a significant development in China-ASEAN connectivity, ensuring smooth economic and trade exchanges between China and ASEAN countries. This year marks the 35th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations and the fifth anniversary of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The 23rd CAEXPO is scheduled from Sept 17 to 21 in Nanning, with CABIS taking place from Sept 17 to 19. The event has attracted nearly 2,000 journalists from over 170 Chinese and foreign media organizations to Guangxi.