The China (Guangxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has emerged as a pivotal hub for international collaboration, leveraging its strategic location and institutional openness to foster global partnerships. At its 2025 special promotion conference in Shanghai on November 5, the zone showcased its commitment to deepening ties with ASEAN and beyond, attracting over 150 participants, including diplomatic representatives from Germany, the UK, South Korea, Canada, and Pakistan, as well as executives from more than 80 foreign enterprises. Notable attendees included DP World, a Middle East-based supply chain solutions provider, and Louis Dreyfus North Asia, a leading agricultural trader and processor. The event highlighted Guangxi’s ambitious plans for cross-border industrial and supply chain development, particularly in sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare, and smart home technologies. Lu Xinning, vice-chairperson of Guangxi, emphasized the region’s 10-billion-yuan ($1.4 billion) AI industry fund, which has already drawn interest from tech firms in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Yang Yihang of the China Investment Promotion Agency reaffirmed support for Guangxi FTZ, pledging to enhance its business environment for global investors. Jonathan School of AHK Greater China noted the alignment between Guangxi’s industrial focus and German expertise, signaling opportunities for targeted cooperation. The conference yielded tangible outcomes, including the release of two key lists guiding cross-border trade, new energy, and ASEAN-focused tech alignment. Agreements for healthcare, AI, and smart home projects were signed, advancing an innovative model where technology is researched in China’s major hubs, assembled in Guangxi, and applied in ASEAN. Since its inception six years ago, Guangxi FTZ has registered over 120,000 new enterprises and sustained double-digit economic growth. Post-conference, visits to AI enterprises in Shanghai will further solidify Guangxi’s role as a global connector and opportunity creator.