Nanning Friendship Cities Conference Highlights AI, Connectivity, and Cultural Tourism
On September 18, 2026, the 2026 Nanning‑Hanoi Economic Corridor and Belt and Road Nanning Friendship Cities Conference was convened in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Organized by the Publicity Department of Nanning City, the event was held under the theme "Empowering Cities with Digital Intelligence, Connecting for a Shared Future" and brought together government, business and academic representatives from China and several ASEAN countries.
Zhong Dezhi, deputy secretary of the CPC Nanning Municipal Committee and acting mayor, articulated Nanning’s intent to deepen cooperation with its international friendship cities across connectivity, trade, artificial intelligence, culture, tourism and youth exchanges. The conference also marked the 20th anniversary of the sister‑city relationship between Nanning and Hai Phong, Vietnam. Hoang Minh Cuong, vice chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee, expressed Hai Phong’s desire for stronger collaboration in digital transformation, logistics, and expanded youth, cultural and tourism exchanges.
Artificial intelligence was a central agenda item. Participants examined how digital technologies can support urban governance, industrial development and cross‑border cooperation. The Nanning International Friendship Cities AI Industry Cooperation Alliance was formally launched to promote AI‑related exchanges and industrial cooperation among partner cities.
The Pinglu Canal received extensive attention. Delegates discussed its expected role in strengthening links between Nanning, the Beibu Gulf ports and ASEAN markets, creating new opportunities for logistics, trade and tourism. Nanning is also exploring canal‑based tourism products, such as sightseeing passenger routes and cultural experiences that integrate transport connectivity with tourism development.
Cultural tourism formed another major cooperation pillar. Attendees deliberated on tourism route development, visitor exchanges and cultural programmes aimed at deepening people‑to‑people ties among friendship cities.
During the conference, a number of cooperation projects were signed, further expanding Nanning’s partnerships with international friendship cities, particularly within the ASEAN region, and reinforcing the city’s role in the New International Land‑Sea Trade Corridor, the China‑ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol and the broader Belt and Road Initiative.