The ASEAN Secretariat participated in the 23rd China–ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), held on 15–21 September 2026 in Nanning, China, with support from the ASEAN–China Cooperation Fund (ACCF).

CAEXPO is an annual international economic and trade event jointly established by ASEAN and China to strengthen ASEAN–China relations, support the China–ASEAN Free Trade Area, and promote multi-sectoral cooperation. Since the inaugural CAEXPO in 2004, Nanning has served as its permanent host city, with the Expo providing an important platform for governments, businesses, and other stakeholders from ASEAN and China to strengthen trade and investment linkages and advance practical cooperation.

At the Opening Ceremony on 17 September 2026, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, delivered remarks under the theme “ACFTA 3.0 Opportunities, Better Life.” He highlighted CAEXPO’s contribution over more than two decades in bringing governments and businesses together, promoting trade and investment, and advancing practical cooperation between ASEAN and China. The Secretary-General also acknowledged the support of various mechanisms, including the ACCF, in facilitating initiatives that deliver tangible outcomes and benefits for the peoples of ASEAN and China.

In his remarks, the Secretary-General highlighted the opportunities arising from the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade, particularly in areas such as the digital economy, green economy, supply chain connectivity, and MSME development. He underscored the importance of ensuring that the opportunities created by ACFTA 3.0 translate into practical benefits for businesses and contribute to deeper regional economic integration.

During the Expo, the ASEAN Secretariat set up an ASEAN booth, which served as a platform to enhance public awareness of ASEAN and engage visitors on ASEAN’s work and ASEAN–China cooperation. H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Mr. Xu Shaochuan, Vice Chairman of the Guangxi Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and H.E. Wang Qing, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN, visited the booth together. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the ASEAN Secretariat’s presence at CAEXPO and its efforts to promote greater awareness of ASEAN and the longstanding ASEAN–China partnership.

The ASEAN Secretariat’s participation at the 23rd CAEXPO was supported by the ASEAN–China Cooperation Fund (ACCF) through the project “The ASEAN Awareness Campaign at the 23rd China–ASEAN EXPO (CAEXPO) 2026.” Through this support, the ACCF contributed to strengthening ASEAN’s visibility at CAEXPO and promoting greater public awareness of the longstanding partnership and practical cooperation between ASEAN and China.