HANOI, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) is a vital platform for strengthening economic ties and regional integration between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, said Bui Lien Thao, a Vietnamese economist, on Friday.
"The China-ASEAN Expo has become an indispensable catalyst for economic vitality and improved well-being across China and ASEAN," said Thao, a specialist at the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Her remarks came amid the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, held from Sept. 17 to 21.
"CAEXPO builds lasting trust by showcasing mutual benefits," Thao told Xinhua.
This year's expo is also expected "to explore sectors such as artificial intelligence and the blue economy, directly benefiting communities through job creation and affordable access to advanced technologies," Thao noted.
Beyond trade, she also stressed the importance of people-to-people ties, describing them as flourishing "at an unprecedented pace" and serving as a foundation for deeper cultural affinity and understanding across the region.
Thao also noted that the expo bridges diverse traditions through immersive experiences that engage thousands of participants and visitors. ■
