The China-South Asia Expo has become a vital platform for exhibitors to seek cooperation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and present their latest innovations to visitors.
With the 9th China-South Asia Expo in full swing, more than 2,500 enterprises from over 70 countries, regions and international organizations have gathered in Kunming City of southwest China's Yunnan Province to explore economic opportunities under the theme "Solidarity and Coordination for Common Development."
The event is one of the most significant trade and investment platforms connecting China with its southern neighbors, featuring notable participation from South Asian countries.
The expanded South Asia pavilion is a central attraction, now showcasing nearly 800 booths. With India and Pakistan taking the largest share of space, visitors are drawn to intricate handmade crafts, a testament to the cultural and commercial ties being nurtured at the Expo.
But for Pakistan, the Expo represents far more than cultural exchange.
"This is a very important exhibition for not just China, but also for Pakistan as well. China is contributing a lot to Pakistan's continued high-quality development. And of course in AI, Pakistan's IT exports are also growing from strength to strength. So we are trying to leverage our strengths and cooperate with Chinese businesses who already excelled in this field. So I think these areas such as agriculture, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and IT sectors are some of the areas where we are focusing on," said Agha Hunain Abbas Khan, Deputy Consul General of the Consulate General of Pakistan in Chengdu.
The Expo has become increasingly international, with a 36 percent rise in participation from Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders compared to the previous edition. As attention shifts toward transformative industries, Pakistan is aligning itself with China in sectors critical for its economic growth.
Elsewhere at the event, Chinese firms are also unveiling their latest innovations in materials and technology. At the Yunnan exhibition area, the province's leading resource company is offering insight into next-generation industrial applications.
"Yunnan Tin Group is a global leader in both tin and indium production. The company mainly produces refined tin products. It holds around 10 percent of the world's tin reserves and 30 percent of global indium reserves. Tin and indium metals are widely used in fields such as electronics and communications, smart manufacturing, intelligent living, aerospace, and connected transportation. At the China-South Asia Expo, Yunnan Tin is showcasing the innovative journey of tin and indium, offering global audiences an immersive experience into the future of these critical materials," said Zhang Bojie of Yunnan Tin Group.
This year's event runs from June 19 to 24.
From smart manufacturing to sustainable energy and cross-border connectivity, this year's Expo reflects a shared vision of resilience and progress between China and South Asia.
With eyes set on innovation and long-term cooperation, the China-South Asia Expo is strengthening regional relationships while paving the way for joint development in the decades to come.
China-South Asia Expo helps exhibitors to seek cooperation in emerging sectors
China-South Asia Expo helps exhibitors to seek cooperation in emerging sectors
