What can we expect from this year's China-ASEAN Expo?

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The 15th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) kicks off Wednesday at the International Convention and Exhibition Center in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In the following four days, tens of thousands of guests from China and abroad will gather to attend various exhibitions, forums and business conferences.

Playing an important role in promoting cooperation between China and ASEAN, the expo initiated in 2004, has become an annual fixture.

So what can we expect from this year's CAEXPO?

Highlights of the 15th CAEXPO

ASEAN's booth at the main venue of the 15th CAEXPO /CGTN Photo

This year's CAEXPO will pay close attention on innovation and relevant collaboration programs between China and ASEAN countries. A variety of exhibitions will be held to display the latest innovation achievements, including products centered on artificial intelligence, building a smart city, and environmental protection. Forums and seminars will also be focused on the theme of innovation.

Promoting trade and economic exchange between China and ASEAN countries has long been a priority of CAEXPO, and it is still an essential part of this year's expo. Investors, buyer groups and enterprises will join the expo to cement economic and trade relations. Eight ASEAN members – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam – will have pavilions this year, with attendees from each country's big name companies.

In addition to China and ASEAN countries, Tanzania, a country along the Belt and Road route has also been invited to attend as the Special Guest Country. The Special Guest Country mechanism was first launched at the 11th CAEXPO in 2014, with the purpose of strengthening exchanges between China, ASEAN countries and other economies. Tanzania is the first African country honored as the Special Guest Country.

What products are we expected to see during the 15th CAEXPO?

With more than 2,700 exhibitors across China, ASEAN and countries along the maritime Silk Road, we expect an abundance of products. CGTN has selected some of the notable items from this year's CAEXPO.

Agricultural products from Cambodia displayed during the 14th CAEXPO. /VCG Photo

A rich collection of silverwares from Cambodia displayed during the 14th CAEXPO. /VCG Photo

Chosen as the Country of Honor at this year's session, Cambodia is offered an independent exhibition hall with 145 booths to display its products. Since agriculture is the country's main industry, a wide range of agricultural products featuring major crops and seeds are definitely the most brilliant part of its exhibitions. Apart from that, a rich collection of exquisite silverware will also be displayed.

Tanzania's raw coffee beans. /VCG Photo

As a special partner at this year's expo, Tanzania, an African country which sits on an important juncture on the maritime Silk Road, will also bring its leading products to the expo, including coffee beans, tea and honey.

Wood carving sculptures from Vietnam displayed during the 14th CAEXPO. /VCG Photo

Vietnam is renowned for its excellent wood production industry in both domestic and foreign markets. During the exhibition, durable and delicate wood sculptures and handicrafts made from redwood will definitely stand out from the country's other exhibits.

Thai fruit. /VCG Photo

As a tropical country, Thailand is known around the world for its countless varieties of delicious fruit, such as mango, durian, lychee, and longan. If you are a fruit lover, you shouldn't miss Thailand's exhibition, as the country will definitely bring its abundant varieties of tropical fruits to the expo.

Visitors tried jewelry from Myanmar during the 14th CAEXPO. /VCG Photo

If you are looking for delicate jewelry, Myanmar's exhibition is definitely the place to go. Home to an abundance of gemstones such as jade, ruby, amber and sapphire, the country has a prosperous jewel industry and excellent jewelry processing skills. A rich collection of fancy jewelry made from these natural gemstones will be showcased to the public.