CEBU CITY — The Province of Cebu has been officially selected as the Philippines' "City of Charm" for the prestigious 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), scheduled to take place from September 17 to 21, 2026, in Nanning, China.
A Global Stage for Cebuano Excellence
The selection places Cebu at the forefront of one of Asia's largest economic and trade gatherings. During a preparatory meeting at the Capitol on May 20, Provincial Administrator Ace Durano welcomed Chinese Consul General Zhang Zhen and a CAEXPO Secretariat delegation to discuss the province's participation.
As the "City of Charm," Cebu will curate a dedicated pavilion to spotlight its robust economy, vibrant cultural heritage, and expanding role as a premier trade and investment hub in the region. The exposure is expected to generate fresh interest from international investors and business delegations.
The recognition comes at an opportune moment. The Philippines is also the designated "Country of Honor" for CAEXPO 2026, a dual distinction that amplifies the nation's visibility and positions Cebu as the country's flagship showcase for economic potential.
Sectors Primed for International Exposure
Organizers are targeting the participation of around 100 exhibitors from three high-growth sectors: food and wellness, technology, and tourism. These industries represent Cebu's strongest competitive advantages in the global market.
The food and wellness segment will highlight the province's famed mangoes, artisanal delicacies, and burgeoning health and personal care product lines. Technology exhibitors are expected to feature Cebu's dynamic IT-BPM ecosystem and emerging digital startups. Tourism will showcase the island's renowned beaches, heritage sites, and world-class hospitality infrastructure.
This strategic alignment reflects Cebu's broader ambition to pivot beyond traditional tourism and position itself as a diversified economic powerhouse. The expo serves as a natural extension of the Cebu International Investment Summit held earlier in 2026, which drew high-level delegations from across Asia and the Middle East.
Strengthening Regional Economic Ties
CAEXPO 2026 will feature special zones for digital economy and green and low-carbon development, alongside a dedicated artificial intelligence exhibition area at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center. These thematic zones open additional doors for Cebuano enterprises engaged in emerging technologies and sustainable industries.
The event is expected to unlock new business opportunities under the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 framework, creating tangible value for both Chinese and Southeast Asian merchants. For Cebu, participation translates into potential export deals, joint venture agreements, and increased foreign direct investment flows into the province.
