China-ASEAN Expo Signs Over 500 Trade Deals With AI Focus

The 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and Business and Investment Summit recently concluded in Nanning, China, with over 500 economic and trade agreements signed, including 155 investment projects. A significant focus was on artificial intelligence (AI), with 44 AI-driven initiatives spanning manufacturing, services, agriculture, and tourism, and the expo featured its first dedicated AI pavilion showcasing around 1,200 products, such as large language models and intelligent robots. The manufacturing sector dominated with 74 projects covering mechanical equipment, petrochemicals, nonferrous metals, and information technology, making up 88% of total investment. The event attracted 3,260 enterprises from 60 countries, including 627 from ASEAN nations, and set a visitor record of 221,000 entries. Exhibitors emphasized the expo's role in expanding markets and building ecosystems, particularly for new energy vehicles and smart technologies in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, China and South Africa formalized a business pact to deepen trade and investment ties, focusing on industrialization, agriculture, and market diversification.