The 23rd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, Guangxi, highlighted AI-driven trade collaboration between China and Southeast Asia, with over 3,400 exhibitors from 70 countries and a focus on shared 3.0 opportunities, creating a better life. Key discussions centered on AI technology integration, regional supply chains, and the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement 3.0.
The 23rd China-ASEAN Expo, held in Nanning, Guangxi, underscored the deepening economic ties between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). With over 3,400 exhibitors from 70 countries, the event featured a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for trade and technological cooperation. The theme Shared 3.0 Opportunities, Creating a Better Life reflected efforts to leverage China’s AI advancements with ASEAN’s diverse market needs.
AI and Trade Collaboration at the Expo
China’s AI industry showcased innovations tailored for ASEAN markets, including multilingual keyboards and translation devices. Xu Dajiang, a representative from Shenzhen Zeyi Industrial Development Co., Ltd., said that their developed keyboard innovatively places numeric and directional keys on the left, and can customize multilingual keycaps such as Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Malay for ASEAN market demands. The company’s left-handed keyboard design and localized keycaps aimed to address specific regional demands, reflecting a broader trend of China’s tech firms adapting products for ASEAN consumers.
The China-ASEAN AI Supply-Demand Conference, a key event at the expo, brought together 80 Chinese AI firms and 90 ASEAN buyers from Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia. Officials emphasized the China technology + ASEAN application model, with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce highlighting the country’s expertise in computing power, algorithms, and system integration. China's experience in these areas complements ASEAN's rich application scenarios, said Deng Bo, deputy director of the Ministry of Commerce’s Foreign Trade Development Bureau.
Malaysian executive Chiu Yihui, representing Malaysia’s Zhi Xun Asia and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Committee, described the event as vibrant, tech-driven, and focused on tangible outcomes. He noted that the expo aimed to replicate successful China-ASEAN projects across multiple ASEAN nations, leveraging AI to address regional challenges from healthcare to infrastructure.
Regional Economic Integration and Future Prospects
The China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) 3.0, which came into effect recently, was a central topic. The agreement seeks to enhance trade efficiency, streamline supply chains, and deepen economic integration. Officials at the expo highlighted the role of the Pinglu Canal, a major infrastructure project, in strengthening connectivity between China’s southwest region and ASEAN. This will create new momentum for regional economic development, said Cheng Gong, deputy secretary-general of the China-ASEAN Expo Secretariat.
Other discussions focused on expanding “Buy China,” “Export China,” and Invest in China initiatives. The expo featured over 50 trade promotion activities, including partnerships in healthcare, agriculture, and renewable energy. For instance, Jiangsu Gairui Technology, a medical equipment firm, sought to share its expertise in grassroots healthcare systems with ASEAN nations, aiming to improve local medical infrastructure.
Moroccan businessman Yassin Oukassa, attending his second expo, expressed interest in Chinese AI drones for the 2030 World Cup. China's AI technology could help Morocco host a successful tournament, he said. This reflects the growing appeal of Chinese tech solutions beyond traditional trade, extending to sports and event management.
Challenges and Next Steps
For now, the event stands as a testament to the evolving dynamics of China-ASEAN economic relations, with AI as both a tool and a symbol of shared ambition.