According to the secretariat of the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), the theme of this year's expo has been determined to focus on building the Belt and Road, as well as jointly promoting the digital economy.

The year 2020 has been identified as the year of China-ASEAN digital economy cooperation, which aims to expand cooperation between the two sides in e-commerce, technological innovation, 5G networks, and smart cities.

In order to meet the focus of annual cooperation between China and ASEAN countries, this year's CAEXPO will have themes on jointly developing the digital economy. It will also make special arrangements in product display and event planning to promote fruitful collaboration in the digital economy. This year's event will also continue to assist in the construction of the Belt and Road, as well as serve the upgrading and development of the China-ASEAN free trade area.

Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center, the permanent venue for the China-ASEAN Expo and one of the landmark buildings in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo/gxnews.com.cn]

In recent years, China has made efforts to develop its digital economy and shared economy, promoting the deep integration of the internet, big data, artificial intelligence, and the real economy, as well as fostering new economic growth points. In addition, ASEAN countries have huge potential for digital economy development, as they have a large working-age population and number of internet users, as well as much room for growth in internet retail and third-party mobile payment methods.

The person in charge of the CAEXPO Secretariat noted that the 17th CAEXPO will organize more high-level friendly exchange activities to promote in-depth integration of the Belt and Road construction with the development plans of ASEAN countries. It will also enrich the content of the Belt and Road exhibition area, as well as set up a cross-border e-commerce exhibition area and an RCEP exhibition area to provide pragmatic cooperation platforms for participating enterprises.

At present, many ASEAN countries have confirmed their pavilions to participate in the 17th CAEXPO, which will be held from Sept 18 to 21, 2020.