China-To-ASEAN Initiative Positions Nanning as the Next Strategic Gateway for China–ASEAN Economic Cooperation
29 July 2026 | Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China. Communication 21 Media Group was honoured to lead a high-level China–ASEAN delegation to China Zhenhua (中国振华) at the China–ASEAN Business Center (中国—东盟经贸中心) in Nanning, Guangxi, where both parties held strategic discussions on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, industrial development, Halal industries, business connectivity, and regional economic collaboration between China and ASEAN.
The delegation was led by Dr. (h.c.) Benny Yeo (杨镇宾), Founder of the China-To-ASEAN Initiative and ASEAN-Connect Initiative, Group CEO of Communication 21 Media Group, and Executive Chairman (ASEAN) of the Global Confederation of Belt and Road Economic Cooperation (一带一路全球经济合作联盟总会).
Joining the delegation were Mr. Ning Ke (宁可书记), Honorary Chairman (China) of Communication 21 Media Group; Mr. Zhang Lihua (张立华), Executive Chairman (China) of the China-To-ASEAN Business Council (中国至东盟工商会); and Mr. Wu You (吴优), Director & Vice President of WTCA Hangzhou World Trade Center and Executive Vice Chairman (China) of the China-To-ASEAN Business Council.
As the permanent host city of the China–ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and the China–ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS), Nanning continues to strengthen its position as one of China's most important gateways to ASEAN. With the forthcoming completion of the Pinglu Canal (平陆运河), the city is expected to become an even more important logistics, trade, and investment hub, creating unprecedented opportunities for deeper regional economic integration.
A major focus of the discussions was the rapidly expanding global Halal economy. Through the China-To-ASEAN Initiative, Communication 21 Media Group is facilitating strategic engagement between China Zhenhua and Malaysia's Halal ecosystem, including JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia), whose Halal Certification is internationally recognised as one of the world's most respected and trusted Halal certification systems.
This collaboration aims to facilitate Chinese enterprises in obtaining internationally recognised Halal certification, enabling them to expand into Malaysia and the wider ASEAN market while strengthening China's participation in the global Halal economy. It reflects the shared commitment of both parties to creating practical, mutually beneficial opportunities for businesses across the region.
Both sides also exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in industrial development, commercial collaboration, cross-border investment, business matching, market access, supply chain connectivity, and the promotion of Shandong's agriculture, food products, and premium Chinese brands into ASEAN markets.
As China–ASEAN cooperation continues to deepen, Communication 21 Media Group will progressively leverage Catalog Connect, its AI-powered industrial and commercial connectivity platform, to support intelligent AI Business Matching, connecting China's supply with ASEAN's demand and creating greater business opportunities across the region.
During the visit, the delegation was also warmly received by Guangxi International Expositions Group Co., Ltd. (广西国际博览集团有限公司), where discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in international exhibitions, trade promotion, investment facilitation, and regional connectivity, further reinforcing Nanning's strategic role as China's gateway to ASEAN.
Communication 21 Media Group remains committed to working closely with governments, enterprises, chambers of commerce, and strategic partners to build stronger bridges between China and ASEAN, promoting sustainable economic growth, industrial collaboration, innovation, and shared prosperity for both regions.