The 16th China-ASEAN Expo is held in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region from Sept 21-24, achieving fruitful results. [Photo by Peng Huan/caexpo.org]

After holding 33 forums, as well as more than 90 economic, trade, and promotion activities, the 16th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) concluded in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on Sept 24 generating significant achievements.

Economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN countries was greatly promoted during the expo. A total of 122 buyers group came to this year’s CAEXPO, an increase of 8.9 percent over the previous session. The number of organized professional visitors exceeded 12,000, a year-on-year increase of 10 percent. Major projects were signed at the 2019 CAEXPO between provinces and cities of China, such as Guangdong province, Beijing, Zhejiang province, and Shanghai, as well as countries such as Germany and Indonesia, covering 5G, big data analysis, industrial internet, pharmaceutical development, smart manufacturing, and smart cities.

Cooperation between ASEAN and countries along Belt and Road were also strengthened. A total of 131 enterprises from 20 countries participated in the Belt and Road international exhibition area. The exhibiting products of Poland, Italy, Pakistan, Egypt, Ghana, Russia, Sri Lanka, and other countries along the Belt and Road highlighted each country's advantageous industries.

Major cooperation mechanisms were established and project construction had taken steps forward, spanning investment negotiations and signing of agreements for the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, the China (Guangxi) Free Trade Pilot Zone, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The private sector economy was also emphasized at the 2019 CAEXPO. During the expo, the first China-ASEAN Private Entrepreneur Summit and the China-ASEAN Private Entrepreneur Leader Session were held. In addition, a 500-person Chinese and foreign entrepreneurs exchange meeting was held to promote exchanges between enterprises from various countries. The first blue book of CAEXPO, Report on the Development of ASEAN Industrial Park under the Background of China-ASEAN International Capacity Cooperation, was also published.