South Korea has been invited to be the special cooperation partner of the 19th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), according to the CAEXPO Secretariat.

The year 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Korea, as well as the "China-South Korea Cultural Exchange Year". Inviting South Korea to be CAEXPO's special cooperation partner again after the country was honored with the position in 2015 is expected to promote the communication and cooperation between China and South Korea and promote the all-round development of economies and trade in Asia.

From Sept 16 to 19, the 19th CAEXPO will be held in Nanning, the capital of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. South Korea will set up a national pavilion to display its charm and unique products, and a number of events will be held to mark its status as the event's special cooperation partner.

Since 2014, the CAEXPO has used a special method to invite partners for special collaboration from the RCEP and the Belt and Road Initiative. Previous invitees include Australia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, Tanzania, Poland, and Pakistan.

The mechanism is recognized as an effective tool for advancing economic and trade exchanges as well as investment cooperation and has received positive feedback from these nations as well as from China's and ASEAN's political and business circles.