Nanning: The city of Nanning in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has officially launched the 2026 'ASEAN Fruit Festival in Guangxi' with the theme 'Sharing the Vast Market, Exporting to China.' The event commenced at Nanning International Railway Station, overseen by Mr. Wei Tao, Chairman of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, alongside the Ambassadors of Vietnam and Timor-Leste to China, and representatives from the private sector.
According to Thai News Agency, Wei Tao, speaking on behalf of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Party and Government Committee, highlighted that the event builds upon agricultural agreements discussed by President Xi Jinping with ASEAN leaders earlier in the year. The region is dedicated to enhancing the cross-border trade environment and incorporating artificial intelligence and digital economy advancements in orchard monitoring, cold chain logistics, and market forecasting. These initiatives aim to establish a stable and sustainable cross-border supply chain.
Vietnamese Ambassador to China, Pham Thanh Binh, emphasized the event's strategic importance in strengthening economic and trade ties between China and ASEAN. He expressed aspirations for Vietnam and Guangxi to expedite the development of transportation networks, including railways, highways, and maritime transport, and foster smart port development to improve customs clearance and expand cross-border e-commerce opportunities, facilitating the flow of goods from Vietnam and ASEAN into China's market.
Mr. Maubere Lorozae da Silva Horta, Timor-Leste's Ambassador to China, acknowledged the strong cooperation in various sectors such as mining, tourism, and the fruit industry. He expressed hope that the forum would serve as a mechanism to enhance economic, trade, and cultural cooperation, exploring new economic drivers based on trust and mutual benefit.
This year's event aims to increase sales of ASEAN fruits in China through several key initiatives: featuring nine ASEAN ambassadors showcasing their countries' fruits, a trade gathering and business negotiations, a smart digital platform, and a signing ceremony for trade agreements between Chinese and ASEAN enterprises.
Additionally, Chinese logistics and e-commerce companies JD Group, China Post, and China Railway Group are actively presenting strategic plans to support Guangxi's development into a hub for trading and distributing ASEAN fruits in the Chinese market.