Amid the wave of globalization, regional cooperation has emerged as a pivotal force driving economic growth and cultural exchange. China and ASEAN countries, which are in close proximity, have fostered collaboration across a wide range of sectors and evolved into dynamic economic powerhouses.

Since its inception, the Belt and Road Initiative has served as a bridge for extensive cooperation between China and countries along its route and has injected significant momentum into regional connectivity and shared development. Meanwhile, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement has entered into force and ushered in a new chapter in China-ASEAN relations. The modern, comprehensive, high-quality, and mutually beneficial economic partnership framework of RCEP has further accelerated regional economic integration and enhanced market access, improved trade facilitation, and promoted cooperation between China and ASEAN in the field of construction.

Nanning, a frontier for China’s opening-up and cooperation with ASEAN, is capitalizing on its unique geographical location and role in the Belt and Road Initiative to build a vital gateway for exchanges and collaboration between China and ASEAN. It has been the host city of several high-profile events, including the China-ASEAN Cooperation and Development Forum on Building Industry and the 2022 China-ASEAN Building Industry and High Quality Living Environment Expo on November 25, 2022, and the First China-ASEAN Ministerial Roundtable on Construction on September 16, 2023. With the second ASEAN-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and Housing convened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 4, 2024, China-ASEAN International Building Products and Equipment Expo (the “CABE”) is poised to create a direct and efficient platform for collaboration and exchange between China and ASEAN in the construction sector.

The CABE will not only provide a platform to showcase the latest achievements and cutting-edge technologies of both sides in the construction sector; but it will also create a vital bond for communication and collaboration between construction enterprises, organizations, and experts and scholars from the two sides. It will facilitate effective integration of resources in the construction sector and identify and cultivate opportunities for cooperation. It will deepen the comprehensive collaboration between China and ASEAN in construction under the frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative and RCEP and open a new chapter for mutual benefit, shared progress, and dynamic partnership between Nanning and ASEAN.

We are looking forward to meeting you in Nanning, China’s “Green City”.

The Organizing Committee of China-ASEAN International Building Products and Equipment Expo