The 2025 Annual Conference of the China-ASEAN Agriculture and Forestry Industry-Education Integration Alliance, spearheaded and hosted by Guangxi University, convened in Nanning on December 19. More than 200 delegates from agriculture-related universities, research institutes and industrial enterprises at home and abroad gathered around the theme of Smart Agriculture and Green Transition. They discussed digital empowerment, green efficiency improvement, high-quality agroforestry development and regional coordination, exploring new ideas, initiatives and pathways for integrated development of agroforestry education, science, industry and vocational training.

Concurrent with the conference was an exhibition of teaching achievements. Zhao Shuangliang, Vice President of Guangxi University and Chairman of the Alliance, delivered the annual work report at the meeting.

During the roundtable forum, scholars from ASEAN nations and Chinese universities, research institutions and enterprises exchanged views on Digital Empowerment & Green Efficiency: A New Ecosystem for AI-driven High-quality Agroforestry Development and Regional Collaboration.

Founded in December 2024, the Alliance initially enrolled 40 member institutions covering Chinese and ASEAN universities, research bodies and enterprises, with another five outstanding organizations admitted in 2025. Centered on the development of modern tropical and subtropical agroforestry industries, the Alliance boosts in-depth integration and efficient sharing of agroforestry educational and industrial resources between China and ASEAN countries. It links universities, research institutes and enterprises to cultivate innovative agriculture-focused talents and advances educational development of all member entities, contributing to rural revitalization across China and ASEAN.

Xiao Jianzhuang, Secretary of the Party Committee and President of Guangxi University, noted that the global agroforestry sector is shifting toward high-efficiency and sustainable growth, leaving huge room for China-ASEAN cooperation. Relying on its geographic and disciplinary strengths, Guangxi University will deepen collaboration via resource sharing, joint platform construction and overseas technical promotion, scale up talent training and scientific research cooperation targeting ASEAN, and strive to contribute to building a closer China-ASEAN Community of Common Destiny.