Wei Zhaohui highlighted that, given its close geographical proximity, Viet Nam attaches great importance to CAEXPO, regularly sending high-level delegations and maintaining the largest exhibition area of all ASEAN members. At this year’s CAEXPO, Viet Nam is once again expected to set up the largest national pavilion, covering about 3,900 square metres, with more than 100 enterprises showcasing their products and services.

Notably, among the Vietnamese participants this year are businesses that first joined the fair on a small scale and have since achieved success in penetrating the Chinese market, as well as many newcomers eager to explore cooperation with China in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI).

Speaking about key highlights of this year’s event, Wei Zhaohui pointed out that, after more than two years of negotiations, China and ASEAN have completed talks on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) Version 3.0.

She described this as a major boost and a source of positive momentum for the global economy, with all parties looking forward to the official signing of the upgrade protocol later this year.

Over the past two decades, CAEXPO has served as a catalyst for the evolution of CAFTA - from Version 1.0 to 2.0, and now 3.0. The upgraded version focuses on nine key areas, including the digital economy, green economy, supply chain connectivity, technical standards and conformity assessment procedures, customs and trade facilitation, phytosanitary measures, competition and consumer protection, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and economic and technological cooperation.

Accordingly, this year’s CAEXPO will prioritise promoting business opportunities brought about by CAFTA 3.0, making it one of the event’s core objectives. The Expo will release a Green Book featuring expert analyses of new business opportunities under the upgraded framework. The China-ASEAN Economic and Trade Cooperation Dialogue, held alongside the Expo, will focus on emerging opportunities within free trade area, guiding enterprises to enhance cooperation in priority fields such as the digital and green economies, while creating opportunities for knowledge-sharing and partnership building.

Wei stressed that, in keeping with the spirit of the times, AI will be both a central theme and a highlight of CAEXPO 2025, with activities focusing on three main aspects.

First, a dedicated AI Pavilion spanning 10,000 square metres will feature over 100 participants, including leading corporations, unicorns, and startups. Cutting-edge AI technologies and breakthrough products will be showcased, with the participation of several ASEAN-based AI companies. Exhibition zones on new energy, smart transportation, and intelligent equipment will also demonstrate AI applications.

In terms of thematic activities, the Expo will release a list of future Chinese AI unicorns targeting the ASEAN market, and host more than 10 events such as expert dialogues and the China-ASEAN AI Innovation and Application Week.

Regarding AI applications, CAEXPO will launch the pioneering CAEXPO AI Smart Platform, designed to provide businesses with greater convenience in attending the fair. The platform features 24 application scenarios - 17 of which will be introduced before the Expo’s opening, while the remaining seven will be rolled out afterwards - to maximise support for enterprises in networking and partner-matching.