22nd CAEXPO ushers in CAFTA 3.0

With the agreement to upgrade the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) to version 3.0 nearing signing, the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), scheduled for mid-September, will publish a blue book highlighting new opportunities under the upgraded FTA.

Li Guanghui, academic dean of the China-ASEAN School of Economics at Guangxi University, said that during the expo, China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation dialogues will steer enterprises toward greater collaboration in key areas of CAFTA 3.0, including the digital economy and green economy.

He said that, in the context of a sluggish global economy and increasing unilateral actions, completing the CAFTA 3.0 negotiations is crucial for regional economic integration, safeguarding free trade, and maintaining global economic stability.

Version 3.0 introduces nine new chapters focused on the digital economy, green economy, supply chain connectivity, and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. This expansion broadens areas of cooperation and provides businesses and consumers with access to more diverse, higher-quality goods at more competitive prices.

The expo's discussions will center on finance and digital economic collaboration, with officials and scholars exploring mutually beneficial strategies to support CAFTA 3.0 implementation.

Li said that CAEXPO has fostered the "Nanning Channel", a key link for cultural exchange and open economy growth, encouraging Guangxi to turn its geographical advantages into development strengths.