Hundreds of people including senior officials from Huiahua city attend the opening ceremony of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Economic and Trade Expo.

ASEAN media gain insight into Huaihua’s economic development

Huaihua, China: The 2025 ASEAN Mainstream Media Tour kicked off on May 8 in the economic boomtown of Huaihua in Hunan province, with representatives from mainstream media outlets in the ASEAN nations of the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Indonesia participating in a five-day in-depth visit to the region.
Huaihua is experiencing significant economic growth, particularly in its international trade and port-related industries. The city is actively integrating into the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, attracting trade with ASEAN countries, Europe, and the United States. 
Huaihua's economy is also being boosted by the development of its International Land Port and the growth of industries like luggage manufacturing and agricultural processing. 
Organised to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between China and ASEAN countries, the media tour included a wide range of activities highlighting Huaihua’s growing economic, cultural, and logistical significance.
A key feature of the programme was the 2nd Hunan (Huaihua) Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Economic and Trade Expo, held under the theme “Sharing Opportunities, Winning the Future”. 
The Expo convened all 14 RCEP member countries along with delegations from over 20 Chinese provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. Taking place both online and offline, the event aimed to foster integrated platforms for production, supply, and sales.
ASEAN media representatives also visited the Huaihua International Land Port, a major hub facilitating inland logistics. 
The itinerary included tours of the planning exhibition hall, customs supervision zone, Luggage and Leather Goods Industrial Park, and nearby enterprises. 
These underscore Huaihua’s transformation from a traditional logistics hub into a manufacturing-driven economic centre, aligned with the model: “ASEAN resources, Huaihua manufacturing, RCEP markets.”
Beyond economic developments, the tour also provided cultural and historical insights. Journalists explored Zhijiang, Xinhuang, and Xupu counties, home to industries such as agricultural product processing, traditional Chinese medicine, and new materials.
Huaihua, known for having the highest number of traditional villages in Hunan province, also stands out for its rich ethnic diversity, particularly of the Miao and Yao communities. 
As part of the cultural segment, the delegation visited the Wuxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Park, Longxi Ancient Town, the Memorial Hall of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and the Simeng Bishui Danxia Scenic Area in Xupu.
These visits provided close-up experiences of traditional Chinese craftsmanship, including Miao silver jewellery, Chenhe Mulian Opera, and Nuo Opera, illustrating the dynamic integration of culture and tourism in the region.
The 2025 ASEAN Mainstream Media Tour aimed to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and deepen ASEAN-China relations by offering firsthand insights into Huaihua’s strategic development, cultural vitality, and regional connectivity.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
 (Latest Update May 15, 2025)