Countdown begins for 23rd China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit

June 9 marks the 100-day countdown to the 23rd China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, which is scheduled to take place in Nanning, capital city of South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, from Sept 17 to 19.

The China-ASEAN Business Leaders Forum kicks off in Nanning, Guangxi, gathering business leaders from China and ASEAN countries. [Photo provided to en.gxzf.gov.cn]

The summit, highlighting the application of artificial intelligence and the enterprise's leading role, is centered on implementing the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol and serves as a high-level platform for AI application cooperation and industrial innovation between China and ASEAN countries.

Preparations for the summit are well underway, promising a significant event that will share trade benefits, explore AI opportunities, and build a new future for China-ASEAN economic cooperation.

The summit is set to feature multiple activities, including high-level events such as the opening ceremony, the China-ASEAN Business Leaders Forum, the China-Philippines Business Dialogue, and the China-ASEAN Forum on Commercial Law. These activities will address frontier topics and foster new cooperation agreements. AI-themed side events will also focus on industry-specific applications, advancing precise industry cooperation.

2026 is a crucial year for implementing the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol. The summit will align its topics and activities with the needs of this initiative, focusing on nine key areas, including digital trade, green economy and supply chain resilience. The event will also seize the opportunity of Timor-Leste's formal entry into ASEAN, encouraging deep participation from its business community.

A major highlight of the summit is the integration of AI throughout the event. AI will enhance exhibitions, helping leading enterprises showcase their innovations. The summit will also feature AI-driven technologies such as AI glasses and digital hosts, demonstrating AI's potential in various sectors.

The summit will also emphasize practical cooperation, focusing on business needs and enhancing regional business community engagement. It will promote the Pinglu Canal and facilitate supply chain cooperation between Chinese and ASEAN enterprises.

The China-ASEAN Forum on Commercial Law will explore new paths for commercial law cooperation, focusing on topics such as international dispute resolution and AI ethics.