The 21st China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) concluded in Nanning City of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Saturday.
The five-day event served as a platform for exhibitors to seek opportunities and markets, and for visitors to get access to products from different countries.
On the open days of the expo, courier service points at the venue were filled with packages of purchased goods, ready to be shipped.
Tetiana Skakodub, a visitor from Russia showed the goods from ASEAN countries she discovered and bought.
"Vietnam coffee, very good, I like this. It's durian cake. It's very tasty," she said.
As the country of honor, Malaysia reached agreements with China totaling nearly 43 billion yuan (around 6.13 billion U.S. dollars) in the trade of commodities during the expo.
Durian, as a symbol of the two countries' strong ties, highlighted the Malaysian pavilion.
"I think in general, actually it's been proven, when governments to governments have very good relations, more and more opportunities can actually be spilled over to the people in the grounds. Particularly, for example, this year, due to good relations that Malaysia and China have, on the 50 years of our celebration, we were able to get our fresh durian protocol ratified," said Mohamad Haris Abdul Latiff, trade consul of the Consulate General of Malaysia in Guangzhou, and also trade commissioner of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation.
The Expo provides opportunities for both returning businesses and newcomers across all industries and scales.
"NETA cars are marketed as cost-effective, aligning well with the ASEAN target customers. We also participated in the expo last year. Now representatives from Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Japan and South Korea have come to inquire about cooperation with us," said Michael Gao, overseas sales director of automaker NETA, China.
"This is our first time here. It's a very good exposure for us, not just for our company but also for our country as well. Because a lot of times people think Brunei is a small country. But we actually have a lot of potentials and a lot of things we can offer, from like seafood to like agriculture products," said Hazel Lim, business development and marketing manager of Superfish Growers company from Brunei.
The expo witnessed the signing of 109 projects, of which 93 involved investments of over 500 million yuan (around 71.31 million U.S. dollars). Manufacturing projects accounted for 69 percent of the deals.
It also featured an unprecedented digital technology exhibition area, with a third of exhibits making a debut in China. Meanwhile, it also wowed visitors with over 90 new environment-friendly products and technologies.
Since its inception in 2004, CAEXPO has actively built an economic and trade platform for cooperation between China and ASEAN. The 22nd CAEXPO is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 17 to 21, 2025, with Myanmar as the country of honor.
21st China-ASEAN Expo concludes in Nanning
21st China-ASEAN Expo concludes in Nanning
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
