Exhibitors from the Gulf countries were finding more opportunities at the just-concluded 21st China-ASEAN Expo held in south China's Nanning City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, to cooperate with their potential Chinese and Southeast Asian trade partners as the event evolved into a broader global trade platform.
The five-day event, which opened Tuesday, attracted exhibitors from over 2,000 enterprises to the main exhibition area, with over 40 percent of the participating companies from outside China.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the specially invited partner of this year's expo, the first among the Gulf countries.
Since 2014, the China-ASEAN Expo has been inviting countries outside the region as guest partners of the exhibition, with the purpose of promoting the exchange and cooperation between the China-ASEAN region and other countries and expanding development opportunities.
"It's our first time coming to Guangxi and checking out what Guangxi has to provide for us, what suppliers, what products, what food items, what furniture, anything, because in our supermarket, we sell everything. We have department stores and hypermarkets. So, we're trying to learn from them and hopefully as well as bring in UAE products into China," said Niyas Hafis, representative of Lulu Group International, a retail company headquartered in the UAE.
Exhibitors from Iran were able to promote their porcelain wares to Thai customers during the event, and said the expo gives a platform "for everyone".
"Through this platform, actually we get to know other customers from other countries like ASEAN member, Thailand. So, it's not like giving a platform only to us, but for everyone," said Mahdi.
With its influence increasing over the years, the China-ASEAN Expo has helped connect not only the enterprises from China and the 10 ASEAN countries, but also those from the 15 RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) countries and the Belt Road countries, according to the secretary general of the expo.
Gulf countries show interest in finding more opportunities, partners at China-ASEAN Expo
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
