Ding Xuexiang Delivers Keynote at 23rd China-ASEAN Expo Opening Ceremony

On September 17, 2026, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang attended the opening ceremony of the 23rd China-Asean Expo and China-Asean Business and Investment Summit in Nanning, Guangxi, delivering a keynote address focused on advancing regional integration and upgrading trade frameworks.

According to official reports from Xinhua News Agency and state media, the gathering is operating under the theme “Sharing 3.0 Opportunities, Creating a Better Life Together.” In his opening remarks, Ding highlighted the evolution of economic ties between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, pointing to the conclusion and ongoing legal procedures of the China-Asean Free Trade Area (FTA) 3.0 version upgrade protocol.

Milestones in Bilateral Trade and Regional Integration

State media coverage outlines a steady progression of multilateral agreements since 2002, when both sides signed the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation. The 1.0 version of the FTA was established in January 2010 with extensive tariff eliminations, followed by the full implementation of the 2.0 version upgrade protocol in October 2019 to widen market access for services and investments.

Official figures show that bilateral trade volume surpassed $1 trillion in 2025, marking an 18-fold increase compared to 2002 levels. Additional trade data indicates that China has maintained its position as ASEAN’s largest trading partner for 17 years, while ASEAN has ranked as China’s top trading partner for six years running.

Cumulative two-way investments have exceeded $510 billion, according to official reports, backed by major infrastructure initiatives. State media noted that the China-Laos Railway has transformed Laos from a landlocked country into a land-linked hub, while the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Indonesia has accelerated regional transit.

Future Outlook and Strategic Frameworks

The newly signed FTA 3.0 upgrade protocol is designed to operate alongside the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as a dual-engine driver for regional development. Government sources note that the updated framework will place greater emphasis on cooperation in digital and green economies, aiming to enhance trade and investment facilitation across member states.

In addition to the main forum events, bilateral meetings took place on the sidelines of the summit, including talks between Ding Xuexiang and Lao Vice Prime Minister Saleumxay, as reported by Xinhua. Organizers noted that the 23rd edition of the expo features participation from more than 3,400 enterprises showcasing industrial integration projects, including the “Two Countries, Double Parks” initiatives between China and Malaysia as well as Indonesia.