Laos Showcases Products, Investment at China-ASEAN Expo

Laos is participating in the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, from September 17-21, showcasing Lao products and investment opportunities while seeking to expand business links with China and ASEAN markets. The opening ceremony on September 17 brought together senior government officials, business representatives and investors from China and ASEAN. Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang attended and addressed the opening ceremony, while Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Standing Member of the Cabinet Saleumxay Kommasith joined other ASEAN leaders and senior officials. Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay said cooperation between ASEAN and China over recent decades had contributed to ASEAN Community building and to peace, stability and development in the region. He noted that economic ties between ASEAN and China have continued to expand, with China remaining ASEAN’s largest trading partner. According to figures cited in his remarks, two-way trade reached US$913.10 billion in 2025, an increase of 18.84 percent from the previous year. This year also marks the 35th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations and the fifth anniversary of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, providing a backdrop for further economic and business cooperation. Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay also congratulated Changchun City in Jilin Province on its selection as China’s 2026 “City of Charm” and highlighted Sekong Province as Laos’ “City of Charm” for this year’s CAEXPO. Sekong is using the platform to promote its tourism attractions, cultural heritage, local products and investment potential, while seeking closer links with Chinese and ASEAN businesses. For Laos, CAEXPO provides a platform for enterprises to promote agricultural products, handicrafts, tourism services and other Lao goods, explore new markets and establish contacts with potential business partners and investors. A new feature of this year’s expo is the ASEAN country demand exhibition, together with an ASEAN demand list and an open call for solutions. Under the mechanism, ASEAN countries present specific business and development needs, while Chinese enterprises can propose solutions and seek cooperation with relevant companies and industries. The expo has also expanded and upgraded its exhibition areas. The total exhibition area has reached 170,000 square metres, up from 160,000 square metres last year, with about 2,200 Chinese enterprises and nearly 1,000 ASEAN enterprises taking part, according to organisers. Timor-Leste is participating as a co-organiser for the first time, bringing all 11 ASEAN member states together at the expo following its accession to ASEAN. This year’s CAEXPO is held under the theme “Opportunities of 3.0, Better Life”, with economic and trade cooperation at the centre of the event and artificial intelligence and enterprise participation highlighted as key areas. Organisers have also introduced new AI-supported trade-matching mechanisms to facilitate business connections. The opening of the Pinglu Canal is another development highlighted at this year’s event. Organisers have described the waterway as a major improvement in regional connectivity, with potential to facilitate trade and logistics between China’s inland areas and the Beibu Gulf. The expo is being held at a time of continued expansion in China-ASEAN economic cooperation. For Laos, participation provides opportunities to strengthen commercial links, promote local products and tourism, and connect Lao enterprises with wider regional markets. The 23rd CAEXPO and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit will feature exhibitions, business meetings and investment activities aimed at translating regional cooperation into practical business partnerships.