The ASEAN SMEs Economy and Trade Association (ASMETA) inaugurated its China office at Nansha's Chuangxiang Bay HK-Macao Business Association Hub in Guangzhou on August 11.

(Photo: Bureau of Commerce of Nansha District, Guangzhou)

Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, ASMETA was established in 2016 as a coordinating body for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across six ASEAN countries (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Singapore). ASMETA maintains partnerships with the governments of ASEAN countries and international institutions, representing hundreds of thousands of enterprises.

"ASMETA's presence will catalyze collaboration between the SMEs in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and ASEAN," said Yuan Biao, Deputy Director of the Guangzhou Nansha Development Zone Administrative Committee.

ASMETA Executive Chairman Chen Jack emphasized Nansha's pivotal role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area: "We'll leverage our platform to facilitate cross-border partnerships, attract foreign investment, and support Chinese enterprises' global expansion."

Nansha Port has emerged as a key China-ASEAN trade hub, hosting South China's densest network of maritime routes to Belt and Road Initiative partner countries. Bilateral trade from Nansha to ASEAN countries surged 41.3% year-on-year in the first half of 2024. The district currently hosts 155 ASEAN-funded enterprises and operates a comprehensive service base for Chinese companies' overseas ventures.