The booth for Southwest China's Chongqing municipality covers an area of approximately 180 square meters at the fifth China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, Yunnan province on June 18 [photo/cqnews.net]

The fifth China-South Asia (CSA) Expo marks a milestone in Southwest China's regional cooperation, an area in which Chongqing has always played a crucial role.

Chongqing municipality, as well as Yunnan, Sichuan and Guizhou provinces and Guangxi Zhuang and Tibet autonomous regions, joined hands at the CSA Expo, showcasing their 25 years of joint development.

With an exhibition area of over 500 square meters, 18 companies from Chongqing and its Liangjiang New Area drew attention to the area's dominant industries, such as equipment manufacturing and ecological agriculture.

"We want to find business partners from Southeast Asia and expand our overseas presence" according to an exhibitor from Chongqing.

According to preliminary statistics, 18 Chongqing-based companies signed cooperation deals worth about 115 million yuan ($18.39 million) with business groups from China and South and Southeast Asia.

"The CSA Expo provides a shared platform for companies from all around China to publicize their brands and seek partnership opportunities," said a government official from Tibet autonomous region, "We have participated in the annual event for 25 consecutive years."

In Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region's exhibition area, giant mooncakes and yolk-stuffed puffs are currently the most popular commodities.

"It's the second time we have set up booths at the CSA Expo, an international fair where we can give exposure to our signature products," a Guangxi entrepreneur said.

Yunnan, the host province, is focused on promoting development in three areas: green energy, organic food, and a healthy living environment.

Yunnan's healthy living environment, in particular, was emphasized at the expo through the city's beautiful scenery and booming healthcare industry.

Since the China Kunming Import & Export Fair and the CSA Expo were combined in 2013, Yunnan has further established itself as a window for cross-border trade and cultural exchange between Southeast Asian countries and its neighboring regions, including Chongqing municipality.

"The CSA Expo is a gateway for Chongqing enterprises to exchange resources and seek cooperation with South Asian countries and regions," said an official of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce, "We would never miss such a rare opportunity."

Visitors gather in Chongqing's exhibition area at the Kunming Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center, Southwest China's Yunnan province on June 18. [photo/cqnews.net]