Nanning at the Heart of Asia: 20 Years of the China–ASEAN Expo
For over two decades, the China–ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) has stood as one of Asia’s most dynamic platforms for trade, investment, and regional partnership. What began in 2004 has grown into a gathering that brings together thousands of enterprises, government leaders, and investors under one roof each year.
At the heart of this story is Nanning, the capital of Guangxi, which has served as the Expo’s permanent home since its inception. Positioned as China’s gateway to Southeast Asia, Nanning city provides not only geographic advantage but also cultural and commercial connectivity that make it the natural stage for this flagship event.
The impact has been remarkable. In 2025 alone, more than 3,200 enterprises from 60 countries converged in Nanning, securing over 500 trade and investment agreements across sectors from manufacturing to digital innovation. Each year, the Expo strengthens the China–ASEAN Free Trade Area and reinforces trust, making Nanning synonymous with regional opportunity and collaboration.
Brief History of CAEXPO
Origins (2003–2004)
Proposed at the 7th ASEAN–China Summit in 2003, launched in Nanning in 2004
The idea of the China–ASEAN Expo was first proposed at the 7th ASEAN–China Summit in 2003. Leaders from both sides recognised the need for a permanent, high-level platform to deepen regional trade and cooperation.
By November 2004, the inaugural CAEXPO took place in Nanning, marking the beginning of an annual tradition that has since become a cornerstone of regional diplomacy and commerce.
- First proposed: October 2003 at the 7th ASEAN–China Summit
- First held: November 2004 in Nanning
Permanent venue: Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Purpose
Support the construction of CAFTA, encourage investment, and promote people-to-people exchange
The Expo was established to support the building of the China–ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA). At the time, CAFTA was still taking shape, and CAEXPO provided the perfect engine to accelerate its construction. Beyond trade, it was also meant to draw investment and expand people-to-people exchange, ensuring that cooperation was not limited to goods but extended to cultural and business understanding.
Objectives
Strengthen ties, foster dialogue, and encourage connectivity
From its inception, CAEXPO had clear objectives that remain relevant today. It set out to strengthen economic ties by offering a stage where governments, businesses, and investors could engage directly. It also aimed to provide a reliable mechanism for policy dialogue, turning political will into tangible business opportunities.
- Facilitate policy dialogue
- Strengthen trade and economic ties
- Promote connectivity in infrastructure, finance, logistics, and technology
Why Nanning is the Permanent Venue
Strategic Location
China’s gateway to ASEAN
Nanning sits at the heart of Guangxi, a region uniquely positioned as China’s natural gateway to ASEAN. Its proximity to Vietnam and other Southeast Asian markets makes it an ideal meeting point for cross-border cooperation. This geography has given Nanning a role beyond that of a provincial capital — it is a bridge linking China to ASEAN, one of the world’s fastest-growing regions.
Transport and Trade Links
Strong connections linking inland China with Southeast Asia
Nanning is supported by a network of highways, high-speed rail, and international air routes that connect inland China with ASEAN. The China–Vietnam railway and cross-border expressways strengthen its position as a logistics hub. These links ensure that deals signed during CAEXPO can be backed by efficient routes to move goods and people.
Purpose-Built Venue
The Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Centre as CAEXPO’s home
The Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Centre was specifically designed to host CAEXPO. Its iconic architecture has become a symbol of the Expo itself, with expansive halls capable of accommodating thousands of exhibitors. Each year, it transforms into a global stage for business, technology, and cooperation.
Symbolic Role
Nanning is recognised as the “permanent city of the Expo”
Nanning is more than just the host city; it has been recognised as the “permanent city of the Expo.” This reflects China and ASEAN’s long-term commitment to stability and cooperation. For two decades, Nanning has consistently provided the backdrop where trust, deals, and innovation converge.
Growth into a Key Pillar of China–ASEAN Cooperation
Expanding Scale and Influence
From the inaugural CAEXPO to its 22nd edition
From its modest beginnings in 2004, CAEXPO has transformed into one of Asia’s most significant economic events. By its 22nd edition in 2025, it hosted over 3,200 enterprises from 60 countries, filling 160,000 square metres of exhibition space. This consistent expansion has elevated its reputation from a regional fair to a global platform for trade and investment.
- 2004: Inaugural CAEXPO with ASEAN + China participants
- 2025: Over 3,200 enterprises from 60 countries
Venue space expanded to 160,000 sqm
Leadership and Enterprise Participation
Attendance by leaders, ministers, and enterprises
CAEXPO is distinguished by its high-level participation. Heads of state, ministers, and senior officials regularly attend, alongside thousands of business leaders from ASEAN, China, and beyond. Since its launch, the Expo has welcomed nearly 100 heads of state and over 3,400 ministerial dignitaries, demonstrating its unique political and economic importance.
Beyond Trade Exhibitions
Belt and Road, policy forums, and emerging sectors
The Expo has steadily broadened its scope to embrace Belt and Road cooperation. Infrastructure projects, transport corridors, and cross-border investments are often highlighted during its sessions.
Equally important are its high-level forums, which provide channels for policy alignment, ensuring trade and investment frameworks move forward in step with regional priorities. The focus on new sectors such as the digital economy, e-commerce, and sustainable development reflects how the Expo adapts to changing global trends.
A Model of Regional Success
Recognised as a driver of trade, investment, and connectivity
CAEXPO has become a recognised platform for opportunity, extending benefits well beyond trade figures. It drives investment flows, strengthens tourism in Guangxi, and enhances connectivity across Southeast Asia.
Leaders frequently highlight it as one of the most successful regional cooperation mechanisms, and its growth over two decades underscores how Nanning has become a cornerstone of trust, innovation, and shared prosperity.
The 22nd China–ASEAN Expo (September 2025) – Key Highlights
Theme
Digital Intelligence and FTA 3.0 opportunities
The 22nd edition embraced the theme: “Digital Intelligence and Innovation Empower Development – Leveraging China–ASEAN FTA 3.0 New Opportunities.” This focus captured the shift towards technology-driven growth and closer regional integration. It reflected how both China and ASEAN are preparing to harness digital and green opportunities under the upgraded free trade framework.
Participation
3,260 enterprises from 60 countries, including 627 from ASEAN
The event welcomed 3,260 enterprises representing 60 countries, a clear sign of its global appeal. Among these, 627 were from ASEAN nations, showcasing the strength of regional business ties. The breadth of participation underlined CAEXPO’s position as an international platform rather than a regional showcase.
Trade and Investment
Over 500 agreements and 155 new projects
More than 500 trade and investment agreements were signed, demonstrating the Expo’s role in turning dialogue into tangible results. A total of 155 new projects were announced, with 74 focused on processing and manufacturing. These projects spanned industries including machinery, petrochemicals, new materials, textiles, and information technology.
- 500+ trade agreements signed
- 155 new investment projects
- 74 focused on processing and manufacturing sectors
AI Pavilion Debut
10,000 sq.m. showcase with 1,200 products
For the first time, the Expo featured a dedicated AI Pavilion covering 10,000 square metres. Visitors explored 1,200 innovative products, from 20 large language models to 60 intelligent robots. Exhibits highlighted practical applications in agriculture and fire rescue, alongside other industry-focused technologies.
Regional Cooperation
CAFTA 3.0 and Belt and Road alignment
This year’s Expo also marked the conclusion of negotiations on CAFTA 3.0, which introduces new chapters on the digital economy, green economy, and supply chain connectivity. The event further reinforced Belt and Road cooperation through infrastructure and policy dialogues. Together, these milestones signal a new phase of integration and opportunity for China and ASEAN partners alike.
Why This Matters for Businesses and Stakeholders
Opportunities for ASEAN and Global Firms
Access to China’s consumer market and new sectors
For companies across ASEAN and beyond, CAEXPO offers direct access to China’s vast consumer base — the world’s second largest economy. The upgraded CAFTA framework has lowered barriers and opened doors in areas such as digital services, renewable energy, and sustainable products. Businesses can now tap into new demand while leveraging Nanning’s role as a hub for both regional and global expansion.
- Access to China’s 1.4 billion consumers
- Opportunities in digital services and green economy
- Platform to showcase innovations and secure partnerships
Benefits for Chinese Enterprises
A gateway into ASEAN markets
For Chinese firms, CAEXPO serves as a gateway into ASEAN, a region with over 680 million people and a combined GDP exceeding $4 trillion. CAFTA 3.0 aims to reduce tariffs and streamline trade, creating more competitive pathways for Chinese products, technologies, and services.
Significance for Policymakers
Advancing integration and inclusive growth
CAEXPO is more than a trade fair — it is a trusted platform for advancing integration and cooperation. By bringing together leaders and decision-makers, it helps shape policies that promote stability and shared growth.
It also creates space for dialogue on major frameworks such as Belt and Road and CAFTA 3.0, ensuring that regional strategies remain aligned with business needs.
Value for Investors
Exposure to innovation and cross-border partnerships
For investors, the Expo is a showcase of future-ready industries. The AI Pavilion alone demonstrated how technologies like robotics and intelligent systems are reshaping sectors from agriculture to logistics.
Exposure to these innovations, combined with the presence of over 3,000 enterprises, creates unique opportunities for cross-border partnerships and long-term investment.
Conclusion
In just over twenty years, the China–ASEAN Expo has risen from an ambitious idea to a cornerstone of regional progress, redefining what global collaboration looks like in the 21st century. Anchored in Nanning since 2004, CAEXPO has become a trusted stage where governments, businesses, and investors unite to forge opportunities that shape the future of Asia and beyond.
What began as a platform for dialogue has evolved into a powerhouse of innovation and trade, welcoming thousands of enterprises, sealing transformative agreements, and boldly championing new frontiers such as artificial intelligence and digital innovation. These achievements are not mere milestones—they are proof of CAEXPO’s unique ability to anticipate change and lead the region in seizing it.
For businesses, investors, and policymakers, CAEXPO is far more than an annual gathering. It is a catalyst for long-term trade, a hub of innovation, and a driver of regional and global collaboration. At the centre of it all stands Nanning—proudly hosting this transformative event year after year. And at its heart, Nanning continues to shine—not just as a host city, but as the enduring symbol of vision, continuity, and shared prosperity between China and ASEAN.
