Nanning Set To Be International Metropolis For Open Cooperation With ASEAN

From Rohani Mohd Ibrahim

NANNING (China), Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Nanning is focused on its new state-bestowed positioning and mission to build an international metropolis for open cooperation with ASEAN and to establish a China-ASEAN Cross Border Industrial Integration and Development Zone, according to the Guangxi Foreign Affairs Office. 

The city, which is the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is comprehensively implementing the new development philosophy, vigorously opening up channels and continuously creating new growth drivers for its open economy. 

“By supporting and facilitating the upgraded development of the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS), Nanning is leveraging the advantages conferred by multiple national-level opening up strategies, continuously consolidating and strengthening its open platforms,” the office said in its handbook for international journalists here on Monday. 

According to the office, this has forged the ‘Nanning Channel’ for economic and trade cooperation, exchanges and communication, and meeting consultations between China and ASEAN countries. 

Currently, six ASEAN countries have established consulates general in Nanning, and the city has established international sister-city/friendly city relations with 31 cities worldwide. 

The office noted that as a crucial node along the Belt and Road Initiative, Nanning lies at the convergence point of the South China Economic Circle, the Southwest China Economic Circle and the China-ASEAN Economic Zone.  With its proximity to the sea and national borders, as well as its location along rivers and major transport routes, Nanning is the provincial capital closest to the ASEAN countries.

Nanning will host a press reception for the 22nd CAEXPO and CABIS on Tuesday evening, while the opening ceremony will be held on Wednesday. 

Meanwhile, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), in its statement in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, said it is eyeing export sales of RM230 million at the 22nd CAEXPO, scheduled to take place from Sept 17 to 21, 2025 in Nanning. The Malaysian delegation to the 22nd CAEXPO brings together over 70 organisations, including three ministries, six key government agencies and a wide range of Malaysian exhibitors of diverse industries. 

Under the leadership of MATRADE, the Malaysia Pavilion will present a comprehensive showcase of the nation’s supply capabilities. 

“Malaysia is well known for its durian, white coffee and bird’s nest, which are favourites in the market. But our strength extends far beyond that. This year, we are proud to highlight a broad spectrum of offerings from education, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, construction materials and high-value sectors such as logistics and distribution solutions, technology and artificial intelligence,” its chief executive officer Datuk Seri Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said.

-- BERNAMA