AI Boom, Free Trade Deepen China-ASEAN Cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Amid rising global protectionism and economic uncertainty, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are forging ahead to deepen their integration, epitomised by the full conclusion of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 upgrade announced in May.
After more than two years of negotiations, the upgraded agreement now covers emerging sectors such as the digital economy, green development, and supply chain connectivity, opening a new chapter in economic cooperation.
Boosted by this landmark upgrade and an artificial intelligence (AI) boom, the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo, held by the Guangxi International Expo Affairs Bureau beginning Sept 17, is expected to showcase new cooperation momentum and potential.
According to a statement, the annual event has this year drawn more than 3,200 exhibitors from 60 countries, as global firms flock to tap into two of the world's most open and dynamic markets.
Notably, the five-day expo features a 10,000-square-metre AI pavilion, a pavilion of new quality productive forces, and an exhibition area for the blue economy. In addition, green and low-carbon technologies and new energy vehicles are also among the highlights of the expo.
In the field of digital infrastructure, China's investments have accelerated in both scale and scope, including investments in the 5G sector -- which is a key enabler of AI – with a number of Chinese tech giants participating in related digital projects. Guangxi, serving as a strategic gateway to ASEAN, is leading this charge through regional projects and innovation hubs.
China and ASEAN countries are seeing robust momentum in AI cooperation. In April, Guangxi Beitou IT Innovation Technology Investment Group Co Ltd and Malaysia’s MY E.G. Services Berhad announced an AI innovation and cooperation centre focused on robotics.
Meanwhile, Nanning’s China-ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Collaborative Innovation Center has inked deals with 16 ASEAN enterprises, which will help boost industrial upgrading.
As global trade continues to be affected by volatility, China-ASEAN cooperation stands out as a model of stability. By enhancing trade frameworks and embracing AI, China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation is set to become more dynamic and deliver greater win-win outcomes.
-- BERNAMA