(KPL) The 2nd Hunan (Huaihua) RCEP Economic and Trade Expo officially opened on May 8 in Huaihua, Hunan Province, under the theme “Sharing Opportunities Towards a Win-Win Future.” The event marks another milestone in promoting regional cooperation under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) framework.

This year’s Expo highlights Thailand as the Guest Country of Honor, with Yunnan Province serving as the Theme Province and Yueyang City as the Theme City. The multi-day event features a wide range of activities, including the Opening Ceremony and RCEP Economic and Trade Investment Promotion Conference, a “Dual Corridors” and RCEP Ports Cooperation Forum, and the launch of the “Global Journey of Intangible Heritage and Trade Hand in Hand” initiative, along with the opening of the Wuxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Park.

In total, nine themed matchmaking events are being held, covering industries such as luggage and leather goods, traditional Chinese medicine, food, bio-based products, cultural tourism under the “Blessed Huaihua” brand, logistics, and international trade promotion. Notably, a special Australia-themed session is also included. Each event connects more than 100 buyers and suppliers, fostering precise trade connections and expanding global market access for Chinese products.

Spanning 20,000 square meters, the exhibition includes major zones like the RCEP National Pavilion, “Dual Corridors” Pavilion, Huaihua’s “5+10” Industrial Pavilion, Hunan Cities Pavilion, and Trade in Services Pavilion. Over 500 exhibitors and 200 domestic and international buyers are in attendance.

The Expo is also hosting nearly 200 foreign guests, including diplomats, overseas Chinese entrepreneurs, and RCEP country representatives, forming an “International Observation Group.” Meanwhile, 19 international media outlets—collectively known as the “Global Reporting Matrix”—are covering the event to showcase cross-cultural exchanges and economic collaboration.

Following the opening ceremony, 28 investment projects were signed on-site, totaling RMB 11.886 billion. These cover sectors ranging from traditional industries to high-tech, including new energy, display technology, mechanical equipment, and logistics. Huaihua also introduced 142 key investment projects worth RMB 81.697 billion as part of its “5+10 Modern Industrial System” initiative aimed at industrial transformation.

The Expo also welcomed a strategic advisory group of renowned experts, including Liu Liang (Academician, Chinese Academy of Engineering), Xu Ningning (Chairman, RCEP Industry Cooperation Committee), and Huang Jianlong (Academician, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering), offering guidance on harmonizing regional trade standards.

Major enterprises such as COSCO Shipping and SF Express are showcasing advancements in logistics infrastructure, contributing to the New Western Land-Sea Corridor and broader intermodal transport integration. Cutting-edge innovations, including robotics from Unitree, AI-assisted traditional Chinese medicine, and digital human broadcasting, are also on display, enhancing the visibility and interactivity of trade cooperation.

The 2nd Hunan (Huaihua) RCEP Expo stands as a vital platform for deepening regional ties, enhancing trade facilitation, and promoting cultural connectivity across Asia-Pacific and beyond.

KPL