22nd CABIS to boost cooperation with upgrades, AI focus

The 22nd China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS), running from Sept 17-18 in Nanning, will utilize mechanism upgrades and AI integration to boost regional cooperation in the runup to the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) 3.0.

Exhibition Center of the China-ASEAN AI Innovation Cooperation Center presents a complete view. [Photo provided to en.gxzf.gov.cn]

Yang Yanyan, summit secretariat chief and Guangxi trade promotion chief, shared details at a Sept 5 briefing. Three key upgrades will align the summit with CAFTA 3.0.

First, the agenda will merge high-level dialogues and rule consultations. Leaders will map cooperation paths at the opening, while the Business Leaders Forum will explore trade facilitation under new FTA rules. A Vietnam-China CEO roundtable will advance AI and infrastructure projects.

Second, rule-based opening-up will get a boost. A new Nanning initiative on China-ASEAN AI industry cooperation will be unveiled, promoting tech collaboration, standard recognition and data flow. A digital dispute platform will also be launched, offering a "Guangxi model" for conflicts under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

A launch event for the "Pan-Industry Mega AI Tournament" takes place on July 19 in Nanning, Guangxi. [Photo provided to en.gxzf.gov.cn]

Third, the summit will operate as a "physical + digital twin" platform. AI will power pre-event matchmaking, real-time translation and blockchain signing, with a year-round policy toolkit ensuring ongoing support.

Highlighting "AI as lead, enterprises as core", an immersive AI exhibition will showcase healthcare, manufacturing and trade applications. Over 69 ASEAN firms and delegations from Beijing and Zhejiang will join, alongside three new committees driving integration.

To aid enterprises, the upgraded "Nanning Channel" and digital matchmaking will introduce businesses to ASEAN and Belt and Road opportunities. A forum linking Guangxi with BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and partner nations will further expand supply chain cooperation.