The 22nd China-ASEAN Exhibition and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit opened on 17 September in Guangzhou Nanjing.Multi-national leaders attending the opening ceremony pointed out in their speech that in the current complex international situation, the East Expo focuses on intellectual empowerment, innovation and development, and is of outstanding real significance; they believe that this exhibition will further deepen the lasting friendship and trust between ASEAN and China, and jointly promote inclusive and sustainable growth.

The theme of this year¡¯s East Expo is ¡°Talent empowers development, innovation leads the future ¨C building a community of destiny with the new opportunities of China-ASEAN Free Trade Zone 3.0.¡±

In his speech, Myanmar Prime Minister Newso said that the successful holding of the East Expo further deepened the comprehensive strategic partnership between ASEAN and China, established an important platform for cooperation in areas such as trade, investment and tourism, and made an important contribution to the further development of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Zone.

The Vice President of the State of Laos said that at present, artificial intelligence and innovation are increasingly becoming an indispensable driving force in production and life. The level of scientific and technological development in ASEAN countries is uneven, and on the basis of mutual benefit and win-win, ASEAN and China should further strengthen cooperation in AI innovation technology research and application and trade. By building a more effective cooperation mechanism, ASEAN and China's all-round cooperation will bring more fruitful results.

The East Expo has been an important platform for promoting ASEAN-China trade and investment, deepening friendship and peace and cooperation over the years. Faced with rapid innovation in digital technology, and rising economic and geopolitical uncertainty and the risk of global division, the theme of this East Expo is very realistic and timely. Cambodia will firmly work closely with China and ASEAN partners to unlock the full potential of China-ASEAN Free Trade Zone 3.0, while working with all parties to promote inclusiveness and sustainable growth.

Malaysia¡¯s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Water Transition, Fadiela, said that ASEAN and China must continue to diversify their trade and investment strategies in the face of the new growing global uncertainty, while steadfastly promoting peace, stability and common prosperity in the region.

In his speech, Viet Nam¡¯s Deputy Prime Minister said that for more than 20 years, the East Expo and Summit have become an important symbol of ASEAN-China economic, trade, and investment cooperation, and that ASEAN countries, including Vietnam, have always recognized China¡¯s important contribution in promoting regional cooperation and common prosperity.

As a platform for continuously shaping the future of ASEAN-China cooperation, after more than 20 years of development, the East Expo has been far more than a showcase window for trade investment, but also a propeller for integration, stimulating innovation and driving long-term growth.In today's uncertain global environment, the East Expo has superior conditions and can bridge between trade and technology, markets and innovation, today's opportunities and the possibilities of tomorrow.