The 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO 2025) opened in Nanning on September 20, attracting thousands of visitors, traders, and investors from across Asia. The event once again highlighted how the China-ASEAN Expo creates new business opportunities for both companies and individuals, while also deepening cultural exchanges.
Vietnamese, Malaysian & Cambodian Brands Shine
At the Vietnam pavilion, Fu Xiang, a long-time exhibitor representing a slipper manufacturer, welcomed loyal customers who returned year after year. “When we first came, our goal was to enter the Chinese market. Now, many shoppers come back annually to buy new designs,” he said. For Fu, the CAEXPO has been a key driver of China-Vietnam trade and brand recognition.
Across the hall, Malaysian entrepreneur Suhaba made her debut with sambal chili paste. Within three days, she signed agreements with four Chinese companies and sold out her stock. “I didn’t expect such strong demand from Chinese consumers. This expo opened my eyes to the potential of the Chinese market,” she said, promising to return with more Malaysian specialties in 2026.
Jennifer, from a Cambodian food company, was also surprised by the strong response to her dried mango products. “Chinese consumers love dried mango, and the turnout here exceeded our expectations,” she said. She emphasized the expo’s value in bringing ASEAN products to Chinese buyers and strengthening regional cooperation.
More Than Food: Innovation and Cultural Exchange
While food and consumer goods remain popular, CAEXPO 2025 in Nanning also showcased new themes. Local resident Pan Lin, who sampled Malaysian durian ice cream with her son, noted the difference: “In the past, the focus was mostly on food. This year, we saw artificial intelligence, cultural tourism, and more. It’s a chance to experience both products and cultures in one place.”
In the AI pavilion, university students Chen Qiushui and Tan Wenqian tested digital avatars for the first time. “These frontier technologies broaden our horizons,” Chen said. They also stopped to watch an Indonesian dance performance. “It was so beautiful,” Tan added. “This showed us that CAEXPO is not only about business opportunities in ASEAN trade, but also about connecting cultures and people.”
A Platform for Trade, Culture, and Growth
The China-ASEAN Expo 2025 once again proved to be a vital platform for both businesses and consumers. Companies gained direct access to the Chinese market, while visitors enjoyed authentic Southeast Asian products and cultural experiences. With its expanding scale and focus on innovation, CAEXPO continues to strengthen China-ASEAN economic ties, foster people-to-people connections, and create opportunities for future growth.
