Held from September 17 to 21 in Nanning, the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo showcased a diverse range of specialty products from Wuzhou, Guangxi, including Liubao tea, tech-driven gemstones, and Longyu paint coatings. These local industries are leveraging the opportunities presented by the newly operational Pinglu Canal and using the expo as a strategic platform to connect with ASEAN markets.

Liubao Tea Charts New Waterway to ASEAN

The opening of the Pinglu Canal has reshaped the logistics landscape for Liubao tea exports to Southeast Asia. The Wuzhou Tea Factory unveiled a commemorative "Century Canal" edition of its "Sanhe" brand Liubao tea, featuring a unique combination with Nixing pottery. The vessel is engraved with a map of the tea's journey from the Xijiang River in Wuzhou through the Pinglu Canal to the sea, vividly illustrating its new route via the western land-sea corridor. At the expo, Cangwu County Liubao Tea Industry Development Co., Ltd. presented several innovative products, including the event's official designated tea, new-style "capsule tea," and bulk tea designed for ASEAN warehousing, highlighting the industry's diversification and internationalization. With growing recognition for Wuzhou Liubao tea in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore, export volumes are steadily increasing. Company representative Qu Cansong noted that the canal has opened a direct river-sea passage from Guangxi to ASEAN, cutting logistics costs, shortening transit times, and enabling direct access to end markets. This creates new opportunities for large-scale and routine cross-border supply. The company plans to use the expo to connect with ASEAN distributors, build overseas warehouses, and tailor packaging to local preferences.

Huang Shaolian, from the Wuzhou Tea Industry Development Service Center, stated that Wuzhou has established the nation's first municipal-level full-process traceability system for the tea industry. Using gold and silver standard coding, the system ensures every batch of tea can be traced and verified for authenticity. Moving forward, Wuzhou will deepen its "ASEAN Action" for Liubao tea by enhancing overseas distribution and cross-border e-commerce networks.

Tech-Enhanced Gemstone Industry Targets ASEAN

The logistical advantages of the Pinglu Canal are also making Wuzhou's gemstone exports more efficient and cost-effective. AI-powered applications for the gemstone sector were prominently displayed at the China (Guangxi)-ASEAN Industrial Design Week, drawing significant interest from buyers and partners. Zhang Lihai, deputy director of the Wuzhou Gemstone Industry Development Service Center, highlighted that the canal's opening has reduced logistics costs and improved delivery times for shipments heading to ASEAN via the Beibu Gulf. At the expo, Wuzhou positioned itself as a "leading city for two-bay linkage," promoting its strategic location and showcasing the precision manufacturing capabilities of its top gemstone companies to Southeast Asian investors, aiming to convert logistical strengths into concrete business partnerships.

Guangxi Xihui Tiancheng Technology Co., Ltd. introduced products tailored to ASEAN consumer preferences, including a popular line of silver-set moissanite jewelry featuring rings, necklaces, and bracelets, as well as moissanite chains and tennis bracelets. General Manager Pang Wenjie emphasized that as a specialized and innovative "little giant" enterprise, the company's self-produced moissanite rough stones hold a leading position in this niche. The entire process—from cutting and polishing to quality control—utilizes AI and big data, boosting production efficiency by 60% compared to traditional methods. The company participates in multiple trade shows in Thailand and Vietnam each year and plans to continue expanding its footprint across ASEAN.

Wuzhou Manufacturing Expands Overseas with Canal Momentum

Guangxi Wuzhou Longyu Paint Industry Co., Ltd. is pursuing deep AI-driven digital upgrades, embedding smart technology throughout its brand operations, R&D, and production. This strategic move, coupled with the opportunities from the Pinglu Canal, is aimed at expanding its footprint in the Southeast Asian market. Executive Director Li Ge explained that the company uses AI models to enhance efficiency, has developed a youthful AI-branded mascot to appeal to younger consumers, and can simulate real-world application effects for floor paint in just five minutes, significantly improving the customer experience. Li Ge pointed out that previously, exports to Vietnam and Thailand had to be routed through Guangzhou's Nansha Port. With the canal now operational, products can ship directly from Wuzhou to the Beibu Gulf, shortening the journey by over 200 kilometers. This drastically reduces foreign trade costs and boosts product competitiveness. The company's next steps involve deepening AI technology innovation, expanding export volumes to ASEAN, and furthering the reach of Wuzhou-made goods overseas.

Additionally, Wuzhou Wanzhenda Power Technology Co., Ltd. participated in the expo with its automotive engine remanufacturing products. The company is capitalizing on Wuzhou's circular economy and bonded business development, specializing in engine remanufacturing, and is actively connecting with international markets, including ASEAN, to broaden its global sales network.