The ongoing 21st China-ASEAN Expo in the south China city of Nanning has enlarged the annual event's cooperation with exhibitors and buyers to encompass more areas of the world while expanding on previous achievements in building stable regional industrial chains.
At this year's expo, the Gulf countries were invited to participate for the first time, affording them an opportunity to boost contacts with both China and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), as a special partner country, brought its specialty food such as dates and chickpeas as well as spices. One UAE retailer said the company is looking to expand its presence in the Chinese market.
"We have [gone into many] Asian markets, especially Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and India. Mainly at this exhibition [our intention is that] UAE products will be introduced to here local markets. This is our aim," said the UAE exhibitor.
On Tuesday, the first day of the event, 109 project agreements were signed, involving companies from Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos and other ASEAN member countries. They primarily focus on key industries such as new chemical materials, new energy and energy storage, and machinery and equipment.
From products to supply chains, cooperation between China and ASEAN countries is gradually deepening. At the high-tech products exhibition area that was set up for the first time, a miniature new energy vehicle has caught many eyes. The car was launched by Chinese automaker Wuling Motors after establishing a plant in Indonesia.
"We have brought some core industrial chains to invest and build factories in Indonesia. We have also bought from more than 70 local Indonesian supply chains, including our batteries, which has driven the manufacturing sector there," said Xiang Tao, an exhibitor for Wuling Motors.
The industrial chain and supply chain matchmaking meetings between the ASEAN and China, Japan and the Republic of Korea have resulted in more than 190 cooperation intentions with a total value of over 2.1 billion U.S. dollars. Cooperation in equipment manufacturing, digital technology, medicine and health care is becoming increasingly close among these nations.
"In the joint statement of a trilateral summit, the three leaders emphasized the main cooperative areas are digitalization, digital transformation and science and technology and innovation, and climate change and carbon neutrality. The recent main trend is digital and green," said Lee Hee-sup, secretary-general of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat among China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
The expo, which runs from Tuesday till Saturday this week in Nanning City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, attracts more than 3,000 exhibitors, with new themes focusing on digital technology, green energy and smart vehicles.
China-ASEAN Expo enlarges reach, deepens regional cooperation
Hong Kong and Macao have adorned their streets and landmarks with festive decorations to celebrate the upcoming National Day.
China's National Day falls on Oct 1 and the National Day holiday lasts from Oct 1 to 7.
China's national flag (five-star red flag) and the flag of the Hong Kong SAR are seen in the streets and alleys across Hong Kong, adding a patriotic atmosphere to the National Day celebrations.
Before and after the National Day, Hong Kong will hold hundreds of celebration events. And the colorful firework displays will been held at Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor on the evening of Oct 1.
"On the occasion of the celebration of the 75th anniversary, all sectors in Hong Kong are joyfully and eagerly preparing. With joyful hearts, we are ready to set off the fireworks. Wishing our country to be strong and the people to be prosperous. Wishing Hong Kong to also flourish and prosper," said Pui Kwan Kay, president of the Hong Kong Chinese Importers' and Exporters' Association.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. Through 75 years of hard work, the Chinese people have transformed China from an impoverished country into the second largest economy in the world. Several hundred million people in rural areas were lifted out of poverty, a miracle in the history of humanity, inspiring people from all walks of life in Hong Kong and Macao. "With the efforts of generation after generation of predecessors, the People's Republic of China has progressed from an impoverished country to the current stage of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Especially since the 18th CPC National Congress, the various significant achievements made by the country have instilled the people across the nation with full confidence," said Edward Leung Hei, member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, chief executive officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, stressed that Hong Kong has made impressive achievements under One country, Two systems.
"It's enormous and overwhelming development, and I am really impressed how mainland has developed in this time under the One Country, Two Systems. It's a unique opportunity of Hong Kong to integrate economically into the wider Greater Bay Area. Dynamic, competitive and a global outlook," he said.
In Macao Special Administrative Region, national flags and holiday banners can be seen all over the streets.
"As young people from Macao, we are all very excited and proud of the development of our country. The destiny of Macao is always closely linked with that of the motherland. As the country further deepens reform comprehensively with a view to advancing Chinese modernization, Macao will have much to offer and achieve. I wish our great motherland to become even more prosperous, and Macao's development to continue to improve. I hope that we will advance together towards the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," said Jau Wing-hou, vice president of the Macao Youth Federation.
Since its return to the motherland 25 years ago, Macao has made significant advances in various fields and achieved prosperity and stability, according to Grace Wong Kit-cheng, member of the Legislative Assembly of the Macao SAR and vice president of the Women's General Association of Macao.
"Since its return to the motherland 25 years ago, with the support of the country, the society of Macao has achieved historic accomplishments in various fields including economy and people's livelihood. Residents live and work in peace and contentment. The stage of development is getting bigger and bigger, which fully demonstrates the strong vitality and advantages of One country, Two systems. The motherland has always been the strong supporter for Macao to maintain long-term prosperity and stability. I believe that Macao will also participate in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, integrate into China's overall development, and gain a greater and broader space for development and development momentum. Only when the motherland is strong can Macao be better," she said. "The country is advancing the great cause of building a great country and achieving national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization. We believe this will also bring new development opportunities for Macao. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, and we are full of confidence in the development of the motherland and Macao. We believe that all sectors in Macao will actively integrate into the overall national development and make new contributions to the country's development," said Ip Sio Kai, a member of the National Committee of the CPPCC, also president of the Macao Association of Banks.
Hong Kong, Macao adorn streets, landmarks with decorations to celebrate National Day
