Nanning Conference Highlights AI, Connectivity And Cultural Tourism

 

Aerial view of downtown Nanning.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- The 2026 Nanning-Hanoi Economic Corridor and Belt and Road Nanning Friendship Cities Conference, held in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, highlighted artificial intelligence (AI), connectivity and cultural tourism.

Held on Sept 18 under the theme "Empowering Cities with Digital Intelligence, Connecting for a Shared Future", the conference brought together government, business and academic representatives from several countries and regions.

AI was a key focus of the conference, with participants discussing how digital technologies can support urban governance, industrial development and international cooperation, alongside the launch of the Nanning International Friendship Cities AI Industry Cooperation Alliance.

The Pinglu Canal also featured prominently in discussions, with the canal expected to strengthen links between Nanning, the Beibu Gulf ports and ASEAN markets while creating new opportunities for logistics, trade and tourism, according to the Publicity Department of Nanning City in a statement.

The Publicity Department added that cultural tourism was another major area of cooperation. Participants discussed tourism route development, visitor exchanges and cultural programmes, with a focus on strengthening people-to-people ties among friendship cities.

The continued development of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, the signing of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol and the opening of the Pinglu Canal are giving cooperation between Nanning and ASEAN cities new momentum across trade, logistics, the digital economy and people-to-people exchanges.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of friendly ties between Nanning and Hai Phong, Vietnam. Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee Hoang Minh Cuong said Hai Phong looks forward to stronger cooperation with Nanning in digital transformation and logistics, while expanding youth, cultural and tourism exchanges.

According to the Publicity Department, a number of cooperation projects were signed during the conference, further expanding Nanning’s partnerships with international friendship cities, particularly with those in ASEAN.

-- BERNAMA