China-ASEAN Expo promotes FTA 3.0 growth

The 23rd China-ASEAN Expo focused on showcasing new business opportunities within the framework of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0, which aims to enhance economic cooperation and promote digital and green development between the two parties. The exhibition was held in Nanning with the participation of over 3,400 companies from more than 70 countries and regions, covering an area of nearly 170,000 square meters. Participants displayed products and projects spanning traditional industries, digital technologies, the green economy, and artificial intelligence, with a dedicated zone showcasing over 500 AI-related products. For the first time, East Timor participated as a full member of ASEAN. The event included more than 50 activities designed to boost trade and investment and facilitate economic integration between China and ASEAN countries. This event is part of the accelerated implementation of the Upgrade Protocol for the Free Trade Agreement 3.0, signed in October 2025, which emphasizes digital fields and sustainable development. Bilateral trade between the two sides reached 1 trillion USD in 2025 with a growth of 7.4%, while the trade volume as of July stood at 744 billion USD, an increase of 24.7%, reflecting the ongoing strong economic relations between China and ASEAN.