Southeast Asian exhibitors explore Chinese market via China-ASEAN Expo

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The China-ASEAN Expo, which opened on Tuesday, has provided exhibitors from Southeast Asian nations a gateway to the vast Chinese market, igniting excitement among participants eager to impress consumers with their premier offerings.

The Malaysia's pavilion, prominently featuring durian as its centerpiece, has drawn visitors with its authentic array of durian products at the expo held in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

"I'm eating a durian flavored popsicle. I came to the Malaysian pavilion, because the durian products here taste more authentic. Since Malaysia is this year's country of honor, I made a trip here to see what interesting products are available," said a visitor. 

As China and Malaysia celebrate their 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, many Malaysian manufacturers hope that the close ties between the two countries can help attract more customers.

"It's quite surprising because all of the Chinese that come here, they really like our durian white coffee. They try it, and they straightaway buy our products. We are really excited to see all their response, because the market in China is quite huge. You have various of famous brands in China. That's what we're trying to compete with the taste," said Nurfarhana Binti Khairuddin, marketing director of Bertambest.

Thailand is one of the world's largest rice exporters, especially known for its jasmine variety. In 2022, Thailand exported around 1.3 million tons of jasmine rice globally, enough to feed up to 13 million people for an entire year.

"Yesterday, we found a potential partner who might start booking our rice from a few thousand tons. So, I think this platform is very helpful," said Veerayut Kosirinond, general manager of China market of Capital Cereals Co., Ltd.

Vietnam, famous for its rich coffee culture, also showcased its offerings at the expo.

"G7 Coffee entered the Chinese market almost 10 years ago through a small booth at the China-ASEAN Expo. This year is our 12th year of participation and the largest one in our history. We did have a lot of customers come to talk to us," said Zhu Shenghui, general manager of Dongxing Yuepinhui Trade Co., Ltd.

China has been ASEAN's top trading partner for 15 consecutive years, while ASEAN has held the position as China's top trading partner for the past four.

Each pavilion at the expo displays the unique products and culture of ASEAN countries, highlighting the strong trading ties between the two sides.

Southeast Asian exhibitors explore Chinese market via China-ASEAN Expo

The BRICS countries should contribute to the promotion of an equal and orderly multi-polar world and economic globalization that benefit all, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting of foreign ministers of BRICS countries.

Common security must be advocated to achieve lasting peace, Wang said. No country has the right to control the global security agenda, let alone to build its own security over the insecurity of others, he added.

Wang said the BRICS countries must give priority to development and solve development problems, focus on the urgent needs of developing countries in poverty reduction, development financing, energy and food security, and seize the opportunities of technological revolution and industrial transformation.

The BRICS countries should practice multilateralism and improve global governance, support the full participation of the Global South countries in international economic decision-making, governance and rules-making, and enhance their voice and representation.

On the same day, Wang called for continuously increasing representation and voice of developing countries during a meeting among the Committee of Ten (C10) Heads of State and Government on UN Security Council Reform and foreign ministers of five UN Security Council permanent members,

He said it is necessary to anchor the reform path that gives priority to special arrangements for Africa.

BRICS should contribute to multi-polar world: Chinese FM