The China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) New Year's Cultural Networking 2024 took place in Nandan county, Hechi, on Jan 11, with officials from the CAEXPO Secretariat and consulates general of ASEAN countries in Nanning gathering to strengthen friendship and seek business cooperation. 

Kyaw Soe Thien, the consul general of Myanmar in Nanning, said that under the strategic collaboration and leadership, the relationship between China and ASEAN has been deepening, and ASEAN has become China's largest trading partner.

He also pointed out that 2024 marks a new phase for the CAEXPO, a year of the China-ASEAN cultural exchange. The CAEXPO aims to enhance mutual trust, deepen economic cooperation, and foster cultural ties. 

Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region strengthens its ties with ASEAN, taking advantage of its geographical advantage. Hosting the CAEXPO for 20 consecutive years, Guangxi has provided ASEAN countries with opportunities to explore markets, foster economic development, and solidify friendships.  

Lu Jingyu, vice mayor of Hechi, introduced Hechi's resources and industries to these officials from the consulates general of ASEAN countries in Nanning and emphasized the city's commitment to improving the business environment. 

Huang Kexi, Party secretary of Nandan county, expressed hope at the event to deepen trade, investment, and cultural exchanges, focusing on non-ferrous metals, cultural tourism, and high-end liquor through CAEXPO. 

Officials from the consulates general of ASEAN countries in Nanning toured a liquor brewing in Danquan. They experienced traditional techniques at an intangible cultural heritage exhibition center themed on the Baiku Yao ethnic group. At a local primary school, they also learned the culture of bronze drums, leather drums, gyros, bull horns, and folk songs.  

CAEXPO New Year's Cultural Networking 2024 occurrs in Nandan county, Hechi. [Photo provided to guangxi.chinadaily.com.cn/hechi]