On May 5, 2023, the opening ceremony of the first Hunan (Huaihua) RCEP Economic and Trade Expo and New Western Land-Sea Corridor Boosting RCEP Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum was held in Huaihua City. The Expo was co-hosted by Huaihua Municipal People’s Government, Department of Commerce of Hunan Province, Chongqing Port and Logistics Office, CCPIT Hunan Provincial Committee, with special support from China-ASEAN Business Council.

Shao Hong, Vice Chairman of CPPCC National Committee, announced the opening of the forum. More than 1,000 Chinese and foreign representatives attended the opening ceremony, including Zhou Haibing, Deputy Governor of Hunan Province, and diplomatic envoys from RCEP countries in China. Xu Ningning, Chairman of RCEP Industry Cooperation Committee and Executive President of China-ASEAN Business Council, delivered a keynote speech at the forum.