On June 26th, the Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) for the 21st CAEXPO successfully kicked off in Nanning, Guangxi, China. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Li An, Deputy Director-General of Department of Asian Affairs of Ministry of Commerce of China (MOFCOM) and the representative of Malaysia, the 21st CAEXPO Country of Honor, Mr. Abu Bakar Yusof, Deputy CEO of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). Senior officials from the ministries of commerce or trade and industry and investment promotion agencies of the 10 ASEAN member states (AMS) and representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat and ASEAN missions in China attended the meeting for discussion on the work plans for the 21st CAEXPO, along with Dr. Wei Zhaohui, Secretary-General of CAEXPO Secretariat and representatives of competent departments in Guangxi.
Mr. Li An said in his speech that the CAEXPO, which has been successfully held for 20 straight years, has served as an important opening-up platform for China-ASEAN cooperation, playing a positive role in boosting regional industrial development, driving consumer markets and smoothing regional supply chains. The Chinese side hopes to join hands with the ASEAN side to effectively leverage the CAEXPO platform to strengthen the bilateral trade and investment ties, so as to contribute more to expanding the China-ASEAN cooperation across the board. Li expressed that 2024 is the year for the CAEXPO to usher into the a Diamond Crown new stage for development. The Chinese side proposed that the governments of the AMS continue to list the CAEXPO 2024 as one of the major overseas exhibition/trade events of their respective country, to jointly promote the upgraded development of CAEXPO; encourage business tycoons and high-tech enterprises to join in the 21st CAEXPO as efforts to help more ASEAN distinctive products and technologies with potential entry into the Chinese market; and make full use of the Online CAEXPO to participate in trade and economic activities held online.
Ms. Yang Zhuo, Director of International Liaison Division of Investment Promotion Agency of Ministry of Commerce of China, said that as the Belt and Road cooperation advances and RCEP comes into full effect, the industrial chains in the China-ASEAN region are more deeply-integrated, driving solid progress in the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership. This year, the Chinese side will introduce financial institutions to the 21st CAEXPO Roundtable Meeting on Investment Cooperation, so as to provide businesses with consistent high-quality financial services. At the Promotion Conference on ASEAN Industrial Parks, another sideline event, there will be more interactions with ASEAN industrial parks and development zones, in a bid to encourage leading Chinese enterprises to make outward investment and support the efforts in co-building trade and economic cooperation zones in the AMS.
Dr. Wei Zhaohui said that 2024 marks the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-People Exchanges, negotiations for the China-ASEAN FTA (CAFTA) 3.0 are expected to see conclusion, and this is the first year for the CAEXPO to enter into a Diamond Crown new stage for development. In such a context, the 21st CAEXPO will promote the construction of the CAFTA 3.0 and regional high-quality growth through six highlights.
First is a longer fair period. This trade show will last 5 days, compared to 4 ones previously. The last two days are public open days, one more day than before; Second, a new exhibition section. A Pavilion of Emerging Industries will be unveiled to synergize with the current five ones; Third, burnishing CAEXPO credentials for China-ASEAN cooperation. An awards program for CAEXPO exhibits will be organized for the first time. The Blue Paper, Outlook on China-ASEAN Trade and Economic Cooperation, will be released. ASEAN high-tech zone and zones on digital economy, green development, fashion products will be unveiled; Fourth, a larger circle of friends. For the first time, we will have a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as the CAEXPO Special Partner Country, welcome exhibiting and buying missions representing member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and launch the China-ASEAN Young Leaders' Growth Program; Fifth, more results-oriented supporting activities. More "small but smart" and targeted networking and matching activities to promote trade and economy will be held for players in different industries, more new products launches will be organized, programs named "Australian Businesses' Tour to Guangxi" and "Japanese Businesses' Tour to Guangxi" will be held; Sixth, upgraded services. IT-based tools like mobile applets will be applied for one-stop exhibition services to a larger extent. Services will be improved in terms of on-site exhibition management, customs clearance and temporary direct chartered flights so as to help more enterprises participate in the CAEXPO and carry out investment cooperation in Guangxi.
She briefed that the preliminary preparations for the 21st CAEXPO are well progressing as scheduled. The CAEXPO Secretariat has completed its first round of working meetings with the ASEAN co-organizers and supporting chambers of commerce, producing remarkable and fruitful outcomes.
Malaysia, as the country of honor this year, will hold the inaugural ceremony for its city of charm pavilion, national promotional conference and etc. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has confirmed its participation as the Special Partner Country, with a government delegation headed by a deputy-ministerial official.
Organizing of exhibitors and trade visitors has seen good progress. Six AMS (inclusive of Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam) have confirmed their respective exhibition size. 8 AMS including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Philippines, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam have confirmed their respective city of charm.
As for the Chinese side, companies show enthusiasm for the exhibition, which will highlight new quality productive forces such as digital economy, new energy vehicles, green and low-carbon. Regarding the trade visitors' organizing, the first round of invitation letters to international buyers have been sent. Two innovative programs, namely, the CAEXPO exhibits awards program and the China-ASEAN Young Leaders' Growth Program are advancing smoothly. The operation of the Online CAEXPO is being optimized and under high intensity test now. The upgraded system will come into full operation before this September. Diverse economic and trade promotional events held offline during the fair period will be presented at the Online CAEXPO simultaneously, providing more user-friendly experiences and viewing effect.
All the delegates from the ASEAN side highly commented the role of CAEXPO in promoting the China-ASEAN multi-field cooperation in the past 20 years, especially its outstanding contribution to further deepened trade, economy and investment cooperation. They all reiterated their commitment to working closely with the Chinese side to co-host the CAEXPO with new highlights and more productive outcomes year by year. ASEAN delegates shared their own updates on the preparatory work for the 21st CAEXPO, including organizing of exhibitors and trade visitors, city of charm and trade, economic and investment activities.
Mr. Abu Bakar Yusof said that this year is indeed a special year as Malaysia and China celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Relations and Malaysia is privileged to be the 21st CAEXPO Country of Honor against such background. The CAEXPO has been designated as one of the important commemorative activities by the Malaysian Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry for this milestone anniversary. Malaysia plans to organize participation from 150 companies and institutions, and host a series of thematic country activities to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and other fields. Leveraging the CAEXPO platform, Malaysia aims to expand economic and trade cooperation with China and other ASEAN countries.
Ms. Siti Maslina MD SAID, Project Officer of Trade Division of Ministry of Finance and Economy of Brunei Darussalam, said that the CAEXPO has become a bond for enhancing friendship among the business communities of China, ASEAN, and other RCEP member countries. It is also an important platform for promoting bilateral and multilateral trade relations. Over the past 20 years, Brunei's goods have expanded their sales channels and increased commercial interactions through the CAEXPO. Business exchanges and cooperation between the two countries have strengthened, establishing more solid business partnerships. Brunei will collaborate closely with the CAEXPO Secretariat to actively prepare for the 21st CAEXPO.
Mr. SOK Darith, Advisor to Ministry of Commerce and Deputy Director-General of General Directorate of Trade Promotion (GDTP) of Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia, said that Cambodia has always attached great importance to the CAEXPO since its inception. Having seen this significant role of CAEXPO, former Cambodian Prime Minister HUN Sen led high-level delegations to attend the CAEXPO 14 times between 2004 and 2022. Last year, new Prime Minister HUN Manet also led a delegation to attend the 20th CAEXPO. In preparations for the 21st CAEXPO this year, Cambodia are committed to generating the most number of private companies from different sectors such as agriculture, service and investment, food and beverage, handicraft and souvenir. In conjunction, Cambodia has selected Siem Reap Province as Charming City for 2024. The most attraction for participation in this year's CAEXPO is Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia's collaboration with Alibaba in launching the web-portal "Alibaba.com" at the Expo site.
Mr. Miftah Farid, Director of Primary Product Export Development of Directorate General for National Export Development (DGNED) of Ministry of Trade of Indonesia, expressed that the CAEXPO has developed into an international event with profound influence in the East Asian region. Participating in the CAEXPO not only deepens the close ties between Indonesia and China but also helps to jointly promote greater achievements in trade, tourism, and resource cooperation. Indonesia will continue to actively support and participate in the 21st CAEXPO, organizing over 80 companies to exhibit and adding new sections showcasing Indonesia's high-tech and tourism sectors.
Mr. Dala INDAVONG, Deputy Director-General of Department of Trade and Handicraft Promotion of Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR, said that this year marks the 21st anniversary of the CAEXPO. Laos has established a joint guidance committee comprising multiple ministries to carry out related work for the CAEXPO. At this year's CAEXPO, Laos will focus on showcasing its agriculture processing products, handicraft, wooden products, food and beverage and consumption goods. Investment promotion activities will also be held during the CAEXPO to fully display Laos' unique advantages in sustainable infrastructure, nature-based tourism, efficient transportation networks, and modern industrial parks.
Dr. Thet Lwin Oo, Director of Trade Development Division of Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization (MYANTRADE) of Ministry of Commerce of Myanmar, briefed that Myanmar will participate as scheduled in the 21st CAEXPO. "Thanlyin City" in Yangon Province has been confirmed as the City of Charm of Myanmar for this CAEXPO. For the Commodity Pavilion, Myanmar will assure you their best efforts in organizing their exhibitors to actively participate, to include more diversified products in the Expo. Myanmar will keep close contact with the CAEXPO Organizing Committee for the arrangement of the National Promotion Conference, Business Meeting and Buyers Missions.
Ms. Rowena De Guzman Mendoza, Department Manager for Operations Group of Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) of Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines, said that the 21st CAEXPO is an important platform for Philippine products to enter the Chinese market. It provides opportunities for the Philippines to participate in investment promotion activities and showcase its cultural characteristics. And the City of Ilagan will be featured as the Philippines' City of Charm this year for the 21st CAEXPO. The Philippines will promote its enterprises' participation through three activities: exhibitions of the Philippines National Pavilion, Commodity Pavilion and the Investment Promotion Conference, focusing on promoting food and other related products and services.
Mr. Kelvin Kee, Executive Director of International Business Division of Singapore Business Federation (SBF), said that the CAEXPO not only provides ample space for economic and trade cooperation between Chinese and Singaporean enterprises but also serves as a bridge for exchanges and cooperation in other fields. For this year's CAEXPO, SBF has recruited a similar number of more than 40 Singapore companies from diverse industries, and about 10 industry specific trade associations to participate this year. In addition, SBF will continue to organize sideline business seminar and networking events for Singapore companies in conjunction with CAEXPO.
Ms. Bhornbhat Punngok, Head of China Division at the Office of Oversea Market Development 1 of Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, said that the CAEXPO has not only provided an invaluable platform to strengthen economic ties, promote trade and investment, and foster greater connectivity between our regions, but also unlocks economic opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services and expand the brand awareness of Thai products. Thailand will actively participate in the 21st CAEXPO and the Pavilion of Commodities Trade with the area of more than 2,000 square meters and the Pavilion of Cities of Charm with the area of 160 square meters. At the Pavilion of Commodities Trade, high-quality Thai products from over 130 exhibitors will include food & beverage, health & beauty products, fashion & accessories, household & decorative items. For the Pavilion of Cities of Charm this year, Thailand select Chachoengsao province, one of the three provinces in the Eastern Economic Corridor which is also well-known for wellness tourism, local wisdom and testy fruits. The Thailand Pavilion will provide a new experience for visitors this year.
Mr. Le Hoang Tai, Deputy Director-General of Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE) of Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, said that this year's CAEXPO is expected to continue to be a great convergence point of ASEAN, Vietnamese and Chinese enterprises, as well as other international companies, and will make a significant contribution to the development of economic, trade and investment cooperation between Vietnam and China. Vietnam will actively invite government leaders to attend the CAEXPO and organize the Vietnam commodities pavilion with the scale of 200 booths to introduce products directly at the exhibition. In particular, Vietnam will focus on new products with export potential in China. Vietnam will organize Vietnamese enterprises to participate in the exhibition on CAEXPO online platform, coordinate with the Chinese Organizing Committee to promote and support enterprises to participate in the China-ASEAN Business Center and the China-ASEAN Mercantile Exchange. Vietnam will organize the Vietnam National Pavilion with the City of Charm. It is expected that Gia Lai province, considered as the economic - cultural center of Central Highlands region of Vietnam, is a typical locality participating in the Pavilion.
Ms. Marisol Hernandez, Head of Community Relations Division of ASEAN Secretariat, said that the CAEXPO is an important platform for deepening cooperation between ASEAN and China. The ASEAN Secretariat fully supports and collaborates with the preparations for the 21st CAEXPO, continuously enhancing the brand influence of the CAEXPO as an international economic and trade exhibition, and fostering deeper and broader cooperation between ASEAN and China.
A lots drawing ceremony for the allocation of the City of Charm pavilions for the 21st CAEXPO was also held at the SOM.