Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Nanning, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) — The 22nd China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit opened Wednesday in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, focusing on technological and economic cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
The 5-day event covered nearly 160,000 square meters of exhibition space, with more than 3,200 companies from 60 countries participating.
For the first time, a new 10,000 square meter artificial intelligence (AI) pavilion was created at the China-ASEAN Expo, making it the largest thematic pavilion in the history of the Expo.
This year's emphasis on artificial intelligence comes amid the upcoming upgrade to version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA), the world's largest developing-economy free trade area. Negotiations concluded in May, and the official signing of the documents is expected before the end of the year.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice President Han Zheng said that the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership has continuously deepened in recent years, becoming the most successful and dynamic model of regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and a shining example of advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
He expressed hope that all parties would make full use of the China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit to jointly share opportunities and move forward towards a better future.
Over the past two decades, the China-ASEAN Expo has become more than just a platform for trade and investment. It has become a catalyst for deeper integration, innovation, and long-term growth, noted ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Horn.
CAFTA 3.0 sends a strong signal that ASEAN and China remain committed to maintaining a rules-based trading system, even amid rising geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty, said Kao Kim Horn, adding that CAFTA 3.0 goes even further by making technology and innovation central to cooperation, deepening supply chain integration and regional prosperity.
The theme of this year's Expo also highlights the role of technology in stimulating bilateral trade and cooperation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Office of the Council of Ministers of Cambodia Vongsay Vissoth said the theme of this year's Expo highlights the "urgent need" for cooperation in building a prosperous and peaceful region through the use of digital technology and innovation, as well as promoting trade and investment.
Official data show that bilateral trade volumes have been growing steadily, with China remaining ASEAN's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, while ASEAN has been China's largest trading partner for the past five years. -0-
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