China‑ASEAN Expo Kick‑off: Ting Shuangyang Calls for Stronger Trade Ties

Beijing, 18 Sept – Nanning, the capital of Guangxi, hosted the inauguration of the 23rd China‑ASEAN Expo and the parallel China‑ASEAN Business and Investment Summit on 17 September. Ting Shuangyang, Vice‑Premier and Politburo Standing Committee member, participated in the ceremony and presented a speech.

He emphasized that the China‑ASEAN Free Trade Area serves as a critical mechanism for forging a community with a shared future. Ting recalled the historic summit of November 2021, which celebrated 30 years of China‑ASEAN dialogue and where President Xi Jinping advocated for the early start of CAFTA 3.0, setting a higher benchmark for cooperation.

He noted that, thanks to joint efforts, the free‑trade zone is operating smoothly, delivering encouraging outcomes that advance regional economic integration, stimulate development, and bring measurable benefits to the populace.

Ting put forward four key recommendations: (i) push forward comprehensive reforms to broaden openness; (ii) upgrade trade and investment cooperation; (iii) deepen practical collaboration in emerging sectors; and (iv) enhance convenient, efficient connectivity across the region.

Post‑ceremony, Ting toured the exhibition hall and held talks with senior officials from participating companies. On the afternoon of 16 September, he also met individually with Myanmar Vice President Oo Nyo Thu, Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Truc, and Laos Deputy Prime Minister Selaumxay Kommasith.