From November 15th to 18th, the 19th China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair (CISMEF) took place in Guangzhou, drawing numerous international exhibitors and delegations. One of the key supporting events, the China-ASEAN SME Industry Chain Business Matching Conference, facilitated deeper collaboration between China and ASEAN in industrial, supply, and value chains.

The ASEAN market has become a critical destination for Chinese SMEs venturing overseas. Zhang Zhenxiang, Deputy Inspector of the Department of Industry and Information Technologyof Guangdong Province highlighted that China and ASEAN are witnessing growing cooperation in areas such as the digital and green economies. "Chinese electric vehicles are gaining popularity in ASEAN, offering new opportunities for industrial upgrades and industry 4.0 transformation," Zhang noted. From establishing a free trade zone in 2010 to fully implementing the 2.0 version of the trade agreement in 2019, and the upcoming 3.0 version, China-ASEAN cooperation continues to scale new heights.

"SMEs are the backbone of economies, providing employment for millions and driving growth and innovation," said Sok Chenda Sophea, Secretary of State of the  Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovationof the Kingdom of Cambodia. He emphasized that this business matching conference presents new opportunities for SME development and partnerships, enabling ASEAN businesses to access advanced technology and digital capabilities through collaboration with Chinese enterprises.

Zheng Yongnian, Chairman of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Research Institute, underlined SMEs' pivotal role in China-ASEAN economic and trade relations. "Chinese businesses should proactively position themselves in the ASEAN market, foster a shared China-ASEAN market, and advance regional and global development through enhanced industrial chain cooperation and capital flow," Zheng suggested.

In tandem with the fair, the "China-Europe (Ireland) Business Exchange Event" was held, focusing on opportunities and challenges for Chinese companies entering European markets. Wan Shuping, Deputy Inspector of the Department of Industry and Information Technologyof Guangdong Province remarked, "In recent years, Chinese brands have evolved from 'Made in China' to 'Intelligent Manufacturing in China,' gaining widespread recognition for their technological strength and innovation in international markets."

Wang Lei, Chief Representative of the Shenzhen Office of IDA Ireland, noted that Ireland's "headquarters economy model" has made it a gateway for Chinese companies entering Europe. "By 2020, over 40 Chinese companies had established operations in Ireland, employing 4,000 people. Companies such as Huawei and TikTok have set up their European headquarters in Ireland," he said. As the world's largest software exporter with robust R&D capabilities, Ireland offers vast potential for China-Ireland collaboration.

Source: Lingnan on the Cloud

中博会助力中小企业“出海”拓市场

11月15日至18日，第十九届中国国际中小企业博览会（简称“中博会”）在广州举行，吸引了众多国际参展商和代表团参与。作为重要配套活动之一，中国—东盟中小企业产业链商务对接会推动双方在产业链、供应链、价值链领域的深度合作。

东盟市场已成为中国中小企业“出海”的重要目的地。广东省工业和信息化厅二级巡视员张振祥指出：“当前，中国和东盟国家在数字经济、绿色经济等领域的合作方兴未艾。中国电动汽车在东盟深受欢迎，这为当地产业升级和工业4.0转型带来了新机遇。”从双方2010年建成自贸区到2019年全面实施自贸协定2.0版，再到即将打造自贸区3.0版，中国—东盟合作不断提质升级。

“中小企业是各经济体的血脉，为数百万甚至上千万的人提供就业机会，推动增长与创新。”柬埔寨工业、科学、技术和创新部国务秘书宋诚霍表示，这次对接会为中小企业提供了发展与合作的新机遇，与中国企业建立伙伴关系将帮助东盟企业获得先进技术和数字化能力。

广州粤港澳大湾区研究院理事长郑永年认为，中小企业在中国与东盟经贸关系中发挥着重要作用。他建议：“中国企业应提前布局东盟市场，推动构建中国—东盟共同市场，通过深化产业链合作与资本流动，推动区域化和全球化发展。”

与此同时，“中国企业出海欧洲（爱尔兰）交流活动”在中博会期间举行，聚焦中国企业融入欧洲市场的机遇与挑战。广东省工业和信息化厅二级巡视员万淑萍表示：“近年来，中国品牌从‘中国制造’到‘中国智造’不断升级，技术实力与创新能力在国际市场上得到了广泛认可。”

爱尔兰投资发展局深圳办公室首席代表王磊提到，爱尔兰因“总部经济模式”成为中资企业进入欧洲的门户。“截至2020年，已有超过40家中国企业在爱尔兰设立业务，雇员达4000人，包括华为、抖音等企业已将欧洲总部设在爱尔兰。”他还指出，爱尔兰作为全球第一大软件出口国，具备强大的研发能力，为中爱企业合作提供了广阔空间。

文｜记者 孙绮曼 孙晶
图｜刘畅
译｜赵凡
审｜林佳岱